Ghana to make special needs education free from January 2026 — Education Minister announces

Ghana’s government has pledged to make education free for all persons with special needs from January 2026, under a newly proposed policy unveiled by the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu. The announcement reflects a major step toward inclusive education and improved access for students with disabilities nationwide.

According to Iddrisu, the plan extends beyond tuition waivers. It includes support for feeding, assistive learning devices, and infrastructure upgrades for special and integrated schools. He disclosed that the financing will be backed by the GETFund, with an initial annual allocation ranging between GH₵ 65 million and GH₵ 100 million.

This initiative aims to relieve families of financial burdens and ensure that learners with disabilities receive quality education in a supportive environment. During a stakeholder engagement session with heads of special needs and integrated schools in Accra, Haruna Iddrisu emphasized that learners with special needs deserve equitable access to education just like their peers without disabilities.

The policy comes in response to long-standing calls from disability-advocacy groups, parents, and civil society organisations for reforms to Ghana’s special-needs education system. Advocates have pointed out gaps in funding, inadequate infrastructure, lack of assistive devices, and difficulties in accessing tertiary education for persons with disabilities. This new policy — if properly implemented, could address many of these challenges.

Under the plan, special-needs schools will see their fees waived, and institutions may receive additional resources for building modifications and support equipment. The government has indicated that special-needs learners will also benefit from free senior high and tertiary education, should they meet academic and admission requirements.

Education experts have praised the move, calling it a “milestone in Ghana’s pursuit of inclusive education.” They argue that removing financial barriers is a critical step toward preventing school dropouts among vulnerable children and youths. According to social analysts, consistently funded inclusive policies may also help reduce inequality and foster social integration.

However, successful implementation will depend on strict oversight, adequate budget disbursement, proper resource allocation, and training for educators to handle the complex needs of special-needs students. Critics caution that past funding shortfalls and bureaucratic delays in sectors like education and health have undermined well-intentioned policies.

In response to these concerns, the Education Ministry has committed to transparent monitoring and regular reporting. Haruna Iddrisu said the government will work with disability-rights organisations, parents, and school administrators to ensure everything from devices, feeding, infrastructure, to learning materials is delivered on schedule.

As the January 2026 deadline draws near, many families and learners with disabilities remain hopeful that the promise will translate into real, tangible change. If delivered, Ghana could set a benchmark in West Africa for inclusive and equitable education for persons with special needs.