The MP for Builsa South and Ranking Member of Parliament’s Education Committee, Dr. Clement Apaak, has disclosed that public basic schools in Ghana are owed capitation grants for three years, covering eight academic terms.
He explained that the extended delay in releasing these funds has significantly affected the administration and operations of schools, preventing them from addressing essential needs such as maintenance, teaching materials, and extracurricular programs.
Dr. Apaak noted that the capitation grants, introduced to ensure the smooth running of public basic schools, are allocated to support activities like sports, cultural events, and the purchase of essential items such as registers and chalk. The grants also enable schools to perform minor repairs, such as fixing broken windows and furniture. However, the government’s consistent failure in releasing the funds on time has worsened the challenges schools face.
He highlighted that many schools are now operating under poor conditions, with students sitting on the floor due to a lack of desks and furniture. Teachers also lack essential resources like lesson notebooks, limiting their ability to prepare effectively. Furthermore, many schools have had to suspend Physical Education (PE) and other sporting activities because of insufficient funds.
Dr. Apaak described the current state of public basic education as a crisis, attributing the decline to the inadequate financial support over the past eight years. While secondary education has seen increased funding and tertiary education remains stagnant, basic education has been largely overlooked. He expressed concern about the future of children from disadvantaged backgrounds, who rely heavily on public education for a better chance in life.
Despite Parliament approving the grants, the delayed disbursement continues to frustrate teachers, parents, and education advocates. Dr. Apaak warned that without timely financial support, public basic education would struggle to meet its responsibility of providing every Ghanaian child with equal opportunities for personal and academic development.