Eduwatch Calls for Equity in Education Infrastructure Financing, More TVET Investment
Africa Education Watch (Eduwatch is calling on the government for stronger equity targeting in education infrastructure financing and increased investment in Technical and Vocational Education and Training as it launched its 2025 Annual Education Policy Monitoring Report.
The think tank acknowledged progress in education service delivery, citing enhanced Capitation Grant disbursement, expansion of the Ghana School Feeding Programme, new basic school infrastructure, and the rollout of the Free Sanitary Pads Programme.
It noted that these interventions are boosting school-level financing, learner participation, and access, especially for girls.
However, Eduwatch warned that sustaining the gains will require timely disbursement, sharper targeting, and greater implementation efficiency.
DACF Formula
The report found the current District Assemblies Common Fund allocation does not reflect educational deprivation. While the 20% DACF directive for basic education infrastructure is commendable, districts with the worst deficits are receiving less.
Zabzugu, Nabdam, Bongo and Tatale, which record high infrastructure and furniture shortages, received an average of about GH₵14.2 million by December 2025.
Meanwhile, Adentan, La Nkwantanang Madina, Ledzokuku and Ga East, with relatively lower deficits, got an average of about GH₵14.4 million.
Eduwatch says this pattern risks widening infrastructure inequality.
It is urging the government to revise the DACF formula to include deprivation indicators like classroom deficits, furniture shortages, and school infrastructure gaps, while expediting furniture procurement.
TVET Concerns
The report also flagged poor ventilation and inadequate illumination in some newly built basic schools, recommending strict enforcement of the Ministry of Education’s standardised and inclusive designs with District Education Offices providing technical oversight.
On skills, pre-tertiary TVET got only 2.5% of the main education budget in 2025 despite its importance for industrialisation and youth jobs.
Eduwatch called for a gradual increase to at least 6%, supported by workshops, equipment, teacher recruitment, and Workplace Experience Learning.
It urged the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Finance, Parliament, the DACF Administrator, and District Assemblies to prioritise equity, efficiency, and accountability so resources reach schools and learners with the greatest need.
Story by Hajara Fuseini
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