Haruna Iddrisu proclaims unfastened schooling for individuals with particular wishes – Life Pulse Daily

Free Special Needs Education inGhana: Government Announces Landmark Policy Shift Under Haruna Iddrisu

**Introduction**
Ghana’s commitment to inclusive education took a monumental leap forward in 2026 with a groundbreaking announcement by Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu. The government declared that education for individuals with special needs would become completely free, effective immediately. This transformative policy, unveiled during the commissioning of the Gloria Boatema Dadey-Nifa Basic School in Adukrom, aims to dismantle financial barriers and ensure equitable access to quality education for all Ghanaian children requiring specialized support. Funded primarily through the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), this initiative represents a significant investment in the nation’s most vulnerable learners and a cornerstone of President Mahama’s broader vision for foundational education reform.

**Key Points**
* **Free Special Needs Education:** The Government of Ghana announced that special needs education would be provided free of charge starting in 2026.
* **Funding Mechanism:** The primary financial backing for this initiative comes from the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund).
* **Dedicated Funding:** GHS 100 million from the 2026 GETFund allocation has been ring-fenced specifically for special needs education.
* **Beyond Tuition:** The initiative moves beyond simple tuition waivers to encompass comprehensive support systems.
* **Infrastructure Investment:** Funding will cover both administrative costs and the procurement of essential assistive devices and high-tech infrastructure required for inclusive learning environments.
* **Government Commitment:** Minister Iddrisu emphasized this policy as a flagship initiative designed to alleviate the financial burden on vulnerable families nationwide.
* **Broader Educational Vision:** The announcement aligns with a cabinet-level philosophy prioritizing early childhood education and foundational learning as the bedrock for long-term national development and technological advancement.

**Background**
Special needs education in Ghana has historically faced significant challenges, including limited access, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient resources to provide the specialized support required by children with disabilities. Families often bore substantial costs associated with tuition, assistive devices, and specialized teaching materials. The KGL Foundation, instrumental in establishing the Gloria Boatema Dadey-Nifa Basic School, exemplifies the kind of private sector partnership crucial for advancing inclusive education. The government’s decision to fund this school’s commissioning served as a powerful backdrop for announcing the nationwide policy shift, signaling a formal commitment to systemic change. This move is part of a wider mandate by President John Dramani Mahama to overhaul and prioritize elementary and foundational education, recognizing its critical role in shaping Ghana’s future human capital.

**Analysis**
The announcement of free special needs education represents a crucial step towards educational equity in Ghana. By eliminating tuition fees, the policy directly addresses a major financial barrier, making specialized education accessible to families who previously could not afford it. The dedicated allocation of GHS 100 million from GETFund provides a tangible financial foundation, signaling the government’s seriousness. This funding is not merely for tuition but also for acquiring assistive devices and upgrading infrastructure, which are vital for delivering effective, inclusive education. The initiative aligns with global best practices emphasizing the importance of inclusive education for achieving sustainable development goals. However, the long-term success hinges on the effective implementation of the support systems, the availability of trained special education teachers, and the ongoing maintenance and expansion of specialized facilities and resources. The policy’s integration with the broader focus on foundational learning underscores the government’s understanding that early intervention and support are key to improving overall educational outcomes and fostering national development.

**Practical Advice**
For stakeholders involved in special needs education in Ghana:
1. **Leverage Government Funding:** Schools and organizations should proactively apply for and utilize the allocated GETFund resources specifically designated for special needs education, covering infrastructure development and assistive technology procurement.
2. **Advocate for Trained Personnel:** Advocate for increased investment in training qualified special education teachers and support staff to meet the growing demand.
3. **Develop Inclusive Infrastructure Plans:** Schools should incorporate plans for accessible facilities and necessary assistive technology into their development strategies, utilizing the GETFund allocation.
4. **Establish Support Networks:** Collaborate with NGOs, parent support groups, and international organizations to build robust support systems for students, families, and educators.
5. **Monitor Implementation:** Actively monitor the rollout of the free education policy and the utilization of GETFund resources to ensure transparency and effectiveness.

**FAQ**
1. **What exactly does “free special needs education” mean?** It means that tuition fees for children with special educational needs will be waived, removing a major financial barrier to accessing specialized schooling.
2. **Where does the funding come from?** The primary source is the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), with GHS 100 million specifically ring-fenced for this purpose in the 2026 budget.
3. **What does the funding cover beyond tuition?** The funding covers administrative costs, the acquisition of assistive devices (like specialized computers or communication aids), and the development of high-tech infrastructure required for inclusive learning environments.
4. **When does this policy take effect?** The policy is effective immediately, starting in 2026.
5. **Is this only for basic education?** The announcement specifically refers to special needs education in the context of the foundational learning system, which typically encompasses basic education levels. The long-term vision includes foundational learning.
6. **How will the government ensure the sustainability of this initiative?** Minister Iddrisu mentioned the government has structured a “special fiscal innovator” to ensure the programme’s sustainability, though specific details on this mechanism were not elaborated in the announcement.

**Conclusion**
The declaration by Minister Haruna Iddrisu that special needs education in Ghana will be free, fully funded by the GETFund, marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s educational history. This policy dismantles a critical financial barrier, opening doors for countless children with disabilities to access the specialized support and quality education they deserve. The dedicated allocation of GHS 100 million underscores the government’s commitment and provides the necessary resources for infrastructure and assistive technology. While successful implementation requires ongoing efforts to build capacity and ensure systemic support, this landmark decision represents a significant stride towards educational equity, social justice, and the realization of Ghana’s potential through an inclusive and empowered citizenry. It firmly places inclusive education at the heart of the national development agenda.

**Sources**
* Life Pulse Daily. (2026, January 10). Haruna Iddrisu proclaims unfastened schooling for individuals with particular wishes. [Original Article]
* Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) – Official Website (For details on funding allocations and policies).
* Government of Ghana – Ministry of Education – Official Statements and Press Releases (For broader policy context).

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