To address Ghana’s education financing challenges, Prof. David Millar, Founder of the Millar Open Institute of Transdisciplinary Studies, has proposed a consolidated approach to funding the sector.
Speaking at an educational forum organized by A1 Radio under the theme, “Strengthening the Educational Sector in Ghana: Stakeholders’ Opinions and Expectations Under the New Government’s Policy Direction,” Prof. Millar suggested merging the Free Senior High School (FSHS) program, academic user fees, and the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) into a single statutory fund.
According to Prof. Millar, this consolidated fund could be further strengthened by increasing the Value Added Tax (VAT) rate from 1.4% to 3%.
“If it were up to me, I would consolidate FSHS, academic user fees, and GETFund into one statutory fund. If necessary, I’d increase VAT from 1.4% to 3%. This fund would then be established by law. With this approach, I believe the incoming government would be relieved of significant financial stress,” he explained.
Prof. Millar emphasized that such a statutory fund would provide a sustainable financing model for education, reducing pressure on government budgets and ensuring the continuity of critical programs. He cautioned against fragmented budgeting and piecemeal cuts, stating:
“If we just cut a bit here and patch a bit there, it won’t lead to meaningful progress because the financial burden keeps recurring.”
He urged the incoming government to adopt pragmatic measures to address Ghana’s economic challenges, particularly in the education sector, and ensure the successful implementation of policies.
Call for Policy Continuity and Accountability
On related issues, Prof. Samuel Erasmus Alnaa, Vice-Chancellor of Bolgatanga Technical University (BTU), raised concerns about the utilization of tax revenues by successive governments. He stressed the importance of accountability and continuity in policies and projects across administrations.
“There should always be continuity in project implementation whenever there’s a change in government. This will enhance project packaging and ensure policy alignment,” Prof. Alnaa stated.
He highlighted the frequent abandonment of projects and the lack of coherent policies as major obstacles to national development, wasting resources and stalling progress.
Stakeholders’ Expectations
The forum provided a platform for stakeholders to express their expectations for the incoming government’s policy direction.
With Ghana’s education system facing mounting challenges amidst economic constraints, Prof. Millar’s proposal for a consolidated statutory fund and Prof. Alnaa’s call for policy accountability present actionable strategies for reform.
The incoming government is expected to take decisive steps to address these issues while ensuring that policies are inclusive, transparent, and sustainable.
Source: A1Radioonline.Com | 101.1MHz | Moses Apiah | Bolgatanga
