The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has announced that the government will implement a fully free education policy for all persons with special needs beginning in January 2026.
Contributing to a statement in Parliament on Wednesday, December 3, to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Minister said the policy will cover all 39 Integrated and Special Needs Schools across the country.
He noted that as part of the expanded support, the daily feeding allocation for learners in these schools will be increased from GH₵8 to GH₵15 to ensure proper nutrition and improved learning conditions.
Mr. Iddrisu further disclosed that the government will allocate between GH₵65 million and GH₵100 million annually from the GETFund to sustain the programme and provide the needed resources for effective implementation.
“I am happy to note that from January 1, 2026, President Mahama will make a formal declaration making education for all persons with special needs free in Ghana. We want this to be a legacy.
“Currently, there are about 39 integrated and special needs schools, particularly in the Ashanti and Volta Regions.
“These students live on GH₵8 a day, and the government is increasing that to GH₵15. Every year, the GETFund will be obliged, through Parliament, to dedicate a minimum allocation of GH₵65 million to GH₵100 million to their feeding,” he said.