Parliament demands GH¢20m for Special Needs Schools

The leadership of Parliament has expressed strong concerns regarding the budgetary allocation to Special Needs Schools in the proposed 2024 budget.

Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu expressed disbelief at the meager allocation of less than 1 million Ghana Cedis for inclusive and special needs schools.

He emphasized the need for reconsideration, suggesting a redirection of at least GH¢20 million from non-formal education, a sector he believes can afford such a reallocation without compromising its effectiveness.

Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu stressed, “We need to spend more on special schools, not on non-formal education. We need to ensure that special education institutions are adequately supported.”

Minority Leader Cassiel Ato Forson initially raised the concern during the budget estimates debate for the Ministry of Education on Tuesday, December 19.

Expressing disappointment with the allocation of just GH¢673,429 for special needs institutions, Forson stated, “It’s quite serious as a country that we are allocating less than 1 million Ghana Cedis for inclusive and special education.”

“We should be interested in this as much as we allocate substantial funds to other areas of education.”

The leaders highlighted the importance of addressing the unique challenges faced by individuals in special education institutions, emphasizing the need for increased financial support.

Ato Forson lamented that the allocation for inclusive and special education covers only wages and salaries, lacking provisions for goods and services capital investment, and requiring urgent attention.

The two leaders urged the Ministry of Finance to ensure that special education, with its diverse needs, receives the necessary financial backing.

Their plea was not only for the benefit of special schools but for all special needs programs nationwide.

The House subsequently approved the GH¢29.5 billion estimates for the Education Ministry.