In a mixed review of the government’s 2025 budget, Kofi Asare, Executive Director of Africa Education Watch (Eduwatch), commended the administration’s commitment to education.
Asare praised the government’s significant investments in education, stating, “Committing to uncap GETFund through the process of amending the earmarked capping and the Realignment Act of 2017, and then committing about GHS145 million to the capitation grant, about GHS3.5 billion to the Free SHS programme, and in excess of GHS500 million for textbooks for basic schools are very significant allocations to education.” Asare made these comments while speaking on Eyewitness News on Citi FM.
Asare noted that these investments are not only significant but also unprecedented.
He emphasized, “Significant in the sense that they are significant and unprecedented, and it must be acknowledged as such.” This acknowledgment is crucial, as it recognizes the government’s efforts to prioritize education and provide necessary resources for its development.
However, Asare’s praise was not without criticism. He expressed disappointment with the allocation of GHS203 million for teacher trainee allowances, describing it as a misallocation of resources.
Asare stated, “I don’t think that allocating over 200 million for teacher trainee allowance is a game changer. It is actually a wasteful expenditure, and we encourage the government to depart from that narrative,”.
Asare’s criticism highlights the need for careful consideration of budget allocations to ensure effective use of resources.
He emphasized that the government should reconsider its priorities and allocate funds to areas that will have a more significant impact on education.
Ultimately, Asare’s review of the budget serves as a reminder that effective governance requires a balance between commitment and critique.
While acknowledging the government’s efforts to prioritize education, Asare also encourages the administration to reevaluate its spending and prioritize areas that will drive meaningful change.