Ghana’s Parliament has formally approved a $300 million loan facility from the International Development Association (IDA), a member of the World Bank Group, to fund the Secondary Education Transformation and Access Programme (SETAP). The landmark decision, reached during a high-stakes debate on Tuesday, marks a significant step in the government’s efforts to overhaul secondary education infrastructure across the country, ensuring equitable access and improved learning conditions for students.
A Strategic Investment in Educational Upgrading
The loan facility is specifically designed to elevate the quality of secondary school infrastructure by systematically upgrading existing facilities. Under the programme, Grade C schools—currently classified as the lowest tier in Ghana’s school grading system—will be transformed into Grade B institutions, while Grade B schools will be further enhanced to meet Grade A standards. This phased approach aims to eliminate disparities in educational quality, particularly in rural and underserved regions where infrastructure often lags behind urban centres.
The initiative aligns with the government’s long-term vision for educational reform, particularly its push to expand secondary education opportunities and enhance teaching and learning environments. With Ghana’s Free Senior High School (FSHS) policy already in place, this loan facility is expected to complement the policy by ensuring that the physical infrastructure supports its objectives.
Political Debate and Government Assurances
The approval process was not without intense parliamentary scrutiny, reflecting the high stakes of the investment. Mr. Mahama Ayariga, the Majority Leader, framed the loan as a cornerstone of the second Mahama-led administration’s education agenda, emphasising that it would directly address critical gaps in secondary school infrastructure. He described the transformation programme as central to the government’s broader commitment to education reform, arguing that quality infrastructure is foundational to achieving educational excellence.
In response to concerns, Minister of Education, Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, reassured Parliament that the loan would be managed with strict adherence to value-for-money principles. He underscored that transparency, accountability, and efficient utilisation of funds would be prioritised to ensure the programme’s success. The Minister also highlighted that the loan would complement existing initiatives, including the COVID-19 recovery support loan secured in July 2025, which amounted to $360 million and was aimed at stabilising the education sector post-pandemic.
Minority Opposition and Policy Context
However, the Minority Caucus, led by Mr. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader, raised significant objections, arguing that the loan was effectively an extension of the Free Senior High School (FSHS) policy. He pointed out that the current administration had previously criticised the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government for introducing the FSHS policy, which was met with opposition from the then-ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Afenyo-Markin’s intervention drew attention to the political history of the FSHS policy, suggesting that the loan facility might be used to fund ongoing operational costs rather than purely infrastructure development. He questioned whether the government was prioritising new loans over existing obligations, particularly given that the $360 million COVID-19 recovery loan had already been secured.
Broader Implications for Ghana’s Education Sector
Beyond the immediate political debate, the approval of this loan facility carries far-reaching implications for Ghana’s education sector. The programme is expected to:
– Improve learning conditions by upgrading classrooms, laboratories, and other essential facilities.
– Reduce teacher-student ratios in overcrowded schools, particularly in rural and northern regions.
– Enhance digital and technological integration in secondary schools, aligning with global education standards.
– Create job opportunities through construction, maintenance, and operational roles in the upgraded schools.
Critics, however, have raised concerns about implementation challenges, including bureaucratic delays, corruption risks, and the need for sustained funding beyond this loan. Some education stakeholders have called for parallel investments in teacher training and curriculum development to ensure that infrastructure upgrades are accompanied by pedagogical improvements.
A Step Forward, But Challenges Remain
While the $300 million loan represents a major financial commitment to Ghana’s secondary education sector, its success will depend on effective governance, public-private partnerships, and long-term sustainability planning. The government has pledged to monitor progress closely, with regular reports to be presented to Parliament to ensure accountability and transparency.
As Ghana continues to navigate economic challenges and fiscal constraints, this loan facility underscores the priority placed on education by the current administration. If executed successfully, the Secondary Education Transformation and Access Programme could transform thousands of schools, setting a new benchmark for equitable and high-quality secondary education in the country.
For now, the focus remains on implementation, with stakeholders eagerly awaiting the first phase of upgrades and the visible impact on Ghana’s educational landscape.