Education Minister Hon. Yaw Osei Adutwum has hailed the transformative impact of the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) on Ghana’s educational infrastructure, calling it a cornerstone of the nation’s educational progress.
Highlighting GETFund’s 20-year contribution to education, the Minister commended its efforts to advance Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education and implement key infrastructure projects like E-blocks and centers of excellence.
“GETFund’s work is not just about infrastructure; it’s about preparing Ghana’s youth for global competitiveness and fostering local innovation.”
In a speech delivered on behalf of the Minister at the GETFund Stakeholders Forum at the UPSA Auditorium in Accra, he underscored the vital role GETFund has played in ensuring that students across all regions of the country have access to modern, safe, and conducive learning environments.
“Over the last 20 years, we have witnessed the tremendous impact the Fund has had on education infrastructure across all levels in all 16 regions of Ghana,” he stated.
This development has ensured that children nationwide have access to quality education in safe and conducive learning environments.
According to the Sector Minister, the Ministry of Education’s main purpose is to ensure that every child in Ghana receives quality education.
This, he added, aligns with the broader objective of securing human capital for national development. “Quality education is all geared towards the objective of ensuring that the human capital in this country is secured for national development,” he said.
In recognizing the achievements of GETFund, the Minister commended the Board of Trustees for fostering creativity among students, particularly through digitalization initiatives, while ensuring prudent financial management of the Fund.
The construction of models, ten-screen blocks, E-blocks, and centers of excellence across the country was hailed as a testament to GETFund’s success in advancing education.
The forum, described as a vital platform for engagement between GETFund’s Board of Trustees, management, and key stakeholders, was an opportunity to discuss both the successes and challenges of the Fund, as well as to find solutions for the way forward.
“As we gather, it provides a platform for the Board of Trustees and management of GETFund to engage with key stakeholders to discuss these success stories together, address challenges, and find solutions for the future,” he said.
A key highlight of the Minister’s address was the role of GETFund in promoting STEM education.
STEM, he noted, is crucial in preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century by equipping them with global competitiveness and fostering local innovation.
“STEM education prepares students for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century and equips them with global competitiveness and local innovation,” he stated.
The Minister expressed excitement over the rise in local scholarships, which have enabled students to access quality education even in areas with limited facilities. “We are delighted to see the surge in local scholarships.
These scholarships will enable our scholars, our students, to access quality education, even in areas where the facilities are limited,” he noted.
Dr. Ampofo Boadu, the Administrator of GETFund, also highlighted the Fund’s achievements, challenges, and the way forward in supporting the delivery of quality education in Ghana.
He touched on the evolution of GETFund’s work, particularly emphasizing the critical role early education plays in shaping contemporary education in Ghana. He outlined how government support has been pivotal in achieving key milestones.
“Our aim is to continue supporting the development of early education and its impact on contemporary education,” he said, noting that early education has long been a priority and continues to influence ongoing initiatives.
Reflecting on the journey since the implementation of GETFund’s third plan, Dr. Boadu explained that this plan, which started in August 2001, was created following an agreement in 2000 and 2001.
The plan has provided fundamental support for early education and other key initiatives, ensuring that priorities are addressed comprehensively. He noted, “The way forward is very challenging,” acknowledging the ongoing difficulties as GETFund continues to execute its mandate.
Dr. Boadu provided a detailed update on the status of GETFund projects, highlighting that as of September 2024, a total of 11,248 projects have been initiated.
Of these, 7,679 projects have been completed, with 3,569 still ongoing. He contrasted this with the figures from January 2017, stating that 2,749 projects were initiated at that time, and as of today, 3,077 of those projects have been completed.
He emphasized the importance of keeping track of these numbers, adding, “When we talk about numbers, we need to remember they represent tangible results.”
Dr. Boadu acknowledged the partnerships formed with non-profits and government committees, which have played an essential role in GETFund’s efforts.
He mentioned ongoing collaborations in various regions, including Damascus, Accra, and Tahrir, underscoring the wide geographical scope of GETFund’s work.
As Dr. Boadu concluded, he underscored the importance of continuous collaboration and support from stakeholders to further enhance the quality of education in Ghana.
He expressed optimism that despite the challenges, the progress made so far offers a solid foundation for future achievements in the sector.
The event was an opportunity for stakeholders to reflect on GETFund’s journey and look ahead at the continued efforts needed to support the delivery of quality education in Ghana.
Source: Ebenezer Junior Arthur
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