The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has disclosed that Ghana is currently having about 5,000 schools nationwide operating without approved infrastructure.
“We have an infrastructure deficit of about five thousand schools still under trees,” he said in Accra Monday, February 17, 2025, during a public forum held on education.
He has, however, assured that the 2025 budget which is yet to be presented will make allocations to the sector to address some of these challenges to bridge the infrastructure gap in education across the country.
“There will be massive investment in education infrastructure, with the first phase being unveiled in the 2025 budget statement. We will work to close the gaps,” the Tamale South lawmaker assured.
Schools under trees, a term used to describe academic institutions, particularly at the basic level, without approved infrastructure, has been a longstanding issue several governments have had to battle for some years now.
In some instances, some of these schools hold classes in open spaces, particularly under tree sheds, hence the name, schools under trees.
The structures responsible to cater for the classroom needs of these schools have dilapidated beyond usage, forcing school authorities to organise classes for pupils under tree sheds.
These makeshift classrooms also result from limited access to formal school buildings, a shortage of educational facilities, and an underfunded education system in some regions.
In response to these challenges, the government has launched initiatives to address them, including the establishment of a committee for National Education Reform. The committee is tasked with gathering public recommendations on how to reform the education sector.
President Mahama has also pledged that his government will prioritise education, ensuring that it becomes both affordable and of high quality.
Full Text: Address by Mahama at launch of National Education Consultative Forum in Ho
