Ghana’s education sector has come under renewed scrutiny following disturbing findings in the 2025 Auditor-General’s Report, which reveals that more than three million schoolchildren are still receiving lessons under trees due to inadequate classroom infrastructure.
The report highlights the severe shortage of classrooms across the country, exposing pupils to harsh weather conditions and creating an environment that undermines effective teaching and learning.
The findings have triggered strong reactions from education stakeholders, with the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) describing the situation as a national crisis that requires urgent intervention.
GNAT General Secretary, Thomas Tanko Musah, expressed deep concern over the report, warning that Ghana is “sitting on an education time bomb.”
“These children don’t have places to sit. They are not asking for air conditioners. All they are asking for is a place they can call a classroom and go and learn. Let parents also put their computers and tools for work under a tree and see how it feels,” he said.
Mr. Musah called on the government to urgently review its education priorities and channel more resources into school infrastructure.
He questioned the government’s spending priorities, particularly the decision to finance first-year university tuition while many basic school pupils lack classrooms.
“I don’t understand why, as a country, we are still paying the school fees of first-year university students. We have limited resources, yet we continue giving out free things while children at the basic level are learning under trees,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education says it is studying the Auditor-General’s report and is committed to addressing the concerns raised.
Press Secretary to the Minister of Education, Hashim Mohammed, said the Ministry has constituted a committee to review the report and recommend appropriate interventions.
“The Ministry has taken delivery of the Auditor-General’s Report and we are studying it. At the appropriate time, we will respond. But I can tell you that we are constructing more schools and, hopefully, by the end of this year, more than 200 schools will be completed. This will help reduce the number of schools operating under trees,” he said.
Mr. Mohammed added that government is already implementing measures aimed at expanding educational infrastructure nationwide to improve learning conditions for pupils.
The Auditor-General’s findings have reignited concerns about infrastructure deficits in Ghana’s basic education system, with education advocates urging authorities to prioritise investments that ensure every child has access to a safe and conducive learning environment.
By Daniel Opoku
