Child Rights International (CRI) today called on the Government of Ghana to implement a robust policy framework to manage its flagship educational interventions, ensuring transparency, accountability, and long-term success.
The call comes amid the rollout of key budget initiatives outlined in the 2025 Budget Statement by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson. Among these are significant measures such as the expansion of the Free Senior High School (SHS) programme, the provision of sanitary pads to schoolgirls, and an enhanced School Feeding Programme.
CRI commended the government for amending the Ghana Education Trust Fund Act to include Free SHS expenditure—a move seen as vital for securing sustainable funding and guaranteeing equitable access to secondary education. However, the organization stressed that the true potential of these initiatives can only be unlocked with effective administrative systems and clear management guidelines.
“Without a comprehensive policy framework, even well-intentioned programmes risk falling short of their goals,” a CRI spokesperson stated. “We urge the government to define clear administrative structures and accountability measures to ensure that Free SHS, the sanitary pad initiative, and the School Feeding Programme are executed efficiently and equitably.”
The sanitary pad programme, designed to address the educational disruption caused by menstrual-related absences, is expected to have a transformative impact on the academic performance of rural schoolgirls, who, according to recent studies, miss an average of 22 school days per year due to lack of access to sanitary products. Similarly, the School Feeding Programme aims to boost student nutrition and academic attendance, particularly in underserved communities where proper nutrition is closely linked to cognitive development and learning outcomes.
Government officials have yet to comment on CRI’s call for a comprehensive management framework. As the budgetary provisions move toward implementation, stakeholders across the education and social welfare sectors continue to monitor developments closely, hopeful that the promised reforms will lead to a more inclusive and effective educational system for all children in Ghana.
