Accra, Ghana — In a significant boost for basic education in the country, the Government of Ghana has cleared all outstanding arrears of the Capitation Grant for public basic schools, covering the period from 2023 to date.
This was officially announced by the Ghana Education Service (GES) in a press release signed by its Head of Public Relations, Daniel Fenyi.
The Capitation Grant is a key government intervention designed to support the smooth running of public basic schools.
It provides essential funds to schools for the procurement of teaching and learning materials, undertaking minor repairs, and managing other school-level activities aimed at improving educational outcomes.
With the release of these arrears, the government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the foundational levels of the country’s education system.
“The payment of these arrears reflects government’s strong resolve and practical support towards the smooth operation and effective management of basic education across the country,” the GES statement noted.
Education stakeholders have welcomed the development, noting that the timely disbursement of the Capitation Grant allows school heads to operate with greater autonomy and accountability.
It is expected to relieve many basic schools of the financial pressures that have hampered routine operations and quality service delivery in recent times.
The GES expressed its appreciation to the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Finance for prioritising the payments in spite of current economic difficulties.
It also commended heads of basic schools nationwide for their patience and resilience in ensuring that teaching and learning continued uninterrupted during the period of delay.
“We urge all school leaders to use the funds responsibly and in line with the guidelines for the utilisation of the Capitation Grant,” the release added.
GES has indicated that monitoring teams at both the district and regional levels will intensify oversight to ensure that the funds are used effectively and in accordance with set guidelines to promote value for money.
The Service reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to improve learning outcomes, enhance school management systems, and ensure inclusive, equitable, and quality education for every Ghanaian child.
The clearing of the Capitation Grant arrears marks a key milestone in Ghana’s education financing landscape and is expected to significantly improve the functionality and performance of basic schools across the country.
