The Ghana Education Service (GES) has confirmed the release of feeding grants to Special Needs Schools across the country, marking a renewed government commitment to inclusive education.
In a press release, the GES stated that an amount of GHS 8,989,866.00 has been disbursed. According to the GES, this sum covers the feeding grant for all learners enrolled in Special Needs Schools nationwide.
“The Management of the Ghana Education Service (GES) wishes to inform the general public – particularly stakeholders in Special Needs Education – that the Government of Ghana has released the feeding grant of Special Needs Schools across the country”
Ghana Education Service
The announcement followed mounting concern among stakeholders over delays in the release of funds, which are critical to the daily operation of Special Needs Schools. The grant is used to provide daily meals for learners with various forms of disabilities enrolled in government-assisted institutions.
The press release emphasized that this financial intervention reflects the government’s ongoing support to the education and welfare of children with special needs. The GES stressed how this step underscores the broader vision of creating equitable access to quality education for all learners, “regardless of their ability.”
The Ministry of Education, in conjunction with the GES, has consistently maintained that inclusive education is not a supplementary initiative but a core component of national educational priorities.
As the government fulfills its mandate, officials have reiterated their dedication to ensuring that the needs of learners with disabilities are adequately addressed through more timely policy implementation with effective and equitable resource allocation.
Stakeholder Appreciation
In a nod to the perseverance of those involved, the GES expressed its gratitude to leadership of the Special Needs Schools for their calm composure amid delays.
“Management acknowledges and appreciates the patience, resilience, and dedication of all heads, staff, and learners of Special Schools. We also commend the Government for prioritising Special Needs Education”
Ghana Education Service
These schools, which cater to a spectrum of needs including hearing, visual, and intellectual impairments, have had to adjust their operations in the absence of timely funding. The released grant is now expected to ease the financial strain many of such institutions have endured over the months and years.
The lack of sufficient funding for Special Needs Schools in Ghana has been an ongoing issue for an extended period, impacting the provision of adequate education resources and support for pupils with disabilities.
The GES reiterated its resolve to partner with stakeholders – teachers, caregivers, parents, civil society organisations, and development partners – to actively drive the agenda of accessible and quality education forward henceforth.
Accordingly, the GES has called for continued stakeholder engagement in addressing the broader challenges facing Special Needs Education, such as infrastructure upgrades, teacher training, and provision of learning materials tailored to learners’ varied abilities.
The GES press release was signed by Daniel Feyi, Head of the Public Relations Unit.
READ MORE: GCB Bank Rides Momentum with Over 3% Share Price Gain
