Caspar Sunday Kampoli, a director at the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme and a member of the NDC’s communication team in the Upper East Region, has outlined what he considers strong improvements in Ghana’s education sector under the 2026 national budget and economic policy. His comments follow the presentation of the budget in Parliament by the Finance Minister, Cassiel Ato Forson.
According to him, the education sector—which featured prominently during the 2024 elections—has seen significant reforms backed by dedicated funding. “The education sector is one big thing that went to elections. It’s most of the government policy positions, and then the MPP were talking big about what they’ve done.”
He noted that the Free Senior High School programme now has a clear financial source through the uncapping of the GETFund, resulting in a substantial allocation intended to guarantee a consistent supply of food, stationery, and other essentials for students. He believes this approach prevents the uncertainties that characterised the programme in the past.
“This time about GH¢ 4.2 billion has been allocated from GetFund. GetFund has been uncapped and that money has been dedicated for what? Free Senior High School. So there’s no way you have students going to school and they’ll say there’s no food,” he said.
He further pointed out that the budget makes room for allowances for teacher trainees and nursing trainees, with hundreds of millions allocated to support both groups. He also highlighted new interventions aimed at reducing period poverty through the provision of sanitary pads, and efforts to ease the financial burden on tertiary students through the reimbursement of admission fees. Additional support for persons with disabilities entering tertiary institutions was also emphasised.
Mr. Kampoli also drew attention to changes in the licensure examination process for teacher trainees, explaining that the reforms now allow students to complete the exams within their institutions without needing to leave school. He said this was consistent with commitments previously made to improve the transition from training to full certification.
Beyond education, he observed an improved relationship between parents and schools, noting the return of active Parent-Teacher Associations. He added that the government has set aside funding to strengthen the National Buffer Stock Company to enhance food supply to senior high schools.
Addressing concerns about past allegations of mismanagement within the buffer stock system, Kampoli said such issues were being handled through legal processes and insisted that structural safeguards have been introduced to prevent similar situations.
He also linked the budget to broader economic relief measures. According to him, reductions in fuel prices, the elimination of certain taxes—including the E-Levy and the COVID-19 levy—and planned tax reforms are expected to ease the financial pressure on households. He suggested that these reforms collectively return billions of Ghana cedis to citizens and reduce the cost of doing business.
Responding to questions on how government intends to sustain revenue after eliminating some taxes, he argued that improved efficiency, reduced wastage, and increased discipline within state institutions have already expanded revenue without additional taxation. He referenced increased collections by the Electricity Company of Ghana as an example of gains from better management rather than new levies.
Mr Kampoli also defended the government’s commitment to fiscal discipline, attributing progress to cost-cutting, a reduction in the size of government, and the introduction of a value-for-money office meant to ensure that every public project delivers tangible benefits. He contrasted this with what he described as losses arising from past administrative decisions and contracts under the previous government.
“We’ve reduced government expenditure. There is discipline, there is efficiency, and every point in time, value for money is what we are looking at. So as for money, Ghana has always had money. It’s the wastage, the indiscipline, the mismanagement, inflating contracts. If you are awarding a contract, you must come in for a certificate of commencement. If you don’t have money to pay the contract, don’t go and start it. You must be sure you have money. You must be sure the project is going to add value to the economy. You don’t go and start any phantom project. You don’t go and put up any scheme just because you want money.”
He attributed the current approach to the leadership style of President John Dramani Mahama, describing it as one centred on humility, frugality, and public interest. He argued that the orientation and discipline of the president influence all public officers, encouraging modesty, focus and accountability.
Source: a1radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Gifty Eyram Kudiabor|Bolgatanga
