The Deputy Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament for Asuogyaman, Hon. Thomas Ampem Nyarko, has stated that government’s decision to uncap the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) allocation, is as a bold step towards securing sustainable funding for the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy and improving quality education in the country.
The Free SHS policy introduced in 2017 by the Previous government has faced funding challenges affecting quality and infrastructure expansion to accommodate increasing number of beneficiaries.
However in a speech delivered on his behalf at the Asuogyaman District branch of Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) 54th Delegate Conference held at Boso, the Deputy Minister of Finance explained “in government bid to fulfil its promise to the Ghanaian people, President Mahama directed the Finance Ministry to uncap GETFUND allocation. By this gesture, government has ensured sustainable funding for free SHS which addresses the longstanding concerns about its quality and the financial sustainability of the free SHS policy” Hon. Ampem Nyarko stated.
He added, “this gesture from government which is the uncapping of GetFund, will not only enhance the quality of education but also expand access to tertiary institutions for marginalized persons, particularly persons with disability”.
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He further noted that the government remains committed to comprehensive educational reforms aimed at fostering inclusive and equitable learning opportunities for all Ghanaians.
Hon. Thomas Ampem Nyarko assured teachers in deprived communities of President Mahama’s commitment to delivering on his promise to provide incentives to teachers posted in such areas as a form of motivation to attract teachers and reduce the tranfer request from teachers.
Additionally, the Deputy Minister reiterated that President Mahama will fulfill promise to enhance educational infrastructure across the country by completing unfinished projects.
“President Mahama also promised that no new structure or school will be built without building teachers bungalow in addition. As your MP, I am committed to lobby for some of these project to be undertaken in our constituency”.
The Deputy Minister of Finance, Thomas Ampem Nyarko commended the leadership of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) in Asuogyaman for their dedication and innovative initiatives in improving the teaching profession, adding that teachers remain the backbone of Ghana’s educational development.
Reflecting on achievements in the constitituency under his leadership as MP, he highlighted increased access to education in deprived communities, citing significant reductions in school dropout rates and improved student enrollment, thanks to targeted interventions by educators and stakeholders.
As part of local initiatives to improve access to education, Hon. Ampem Nyarko revealed that he had facilitated the provision of a canoe to transport schoolchildren from Sedorm Island to schools in Sedorm, a gesture which, according to local Assembly reports, has ensured punctuality and improved education.
He acknowledge challenges faced by teachers and students, including aging facilities, lack of furniture, and limited funding which he pledged commitment to fixing them
The MP donated Ghc10,000 from his common fund to support the association.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Kojo Ansah
