The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has declared that education for learners with special needs across Ghana will attract no fees starting in 2026.

He explained that the programme will be entirely underwritten by the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), easing the financial burden on affected students and their families.

Mr Iddrisu made the announcement at the official opening of the Gloria Boatema Dadey–Nifa Basic School in Adukrom, in the Okere District of the Eastern Region. The school facility was put up by the KGL Foundation. During the event, he disclosed that GETFund has earmarked GH¢100 million in its 2026 allocation to sustain and strengthen special education nationwide. The funding, he said, will cover the procurement of essential teaching tools and assistive equipment for learners.

The minister further stressed the need for Ghana to rethink its priorities by placing greater emphasis on basic education. He noted that strengthening early learning is critical to shaping long-term educational outcomes and reiterated President John Dramani Mahama’s resolve to boost investment in foundational education to enhance performance at the basic level.

“It is said that when a child gets it right at age six, you can predict the 18 years of that child. It’s therefore important that Ghana repositions and reprioritise and redirect its investment to improve and enhance basic education. President Mahama will do everything possible to increase investment in foundational learning to improve learning outcomes at the basic level. We are sure.

“…I’m happy to announce, proudly and authoritatively, that beginning this year, 2026, learning for special needs education in Ghana under President Mahama will be free and funded adequately by the Ghana Education Trust Fund… I’m also happy to announce that an amount of GHS 100 million of GetFund resources will be dedicated in their 2026 formula to support special needs education, which will include the acquisition of some of the devices, assistive devices that they may need.”