Education advocate, Africa Education Watch (Eduwatch) has issued a fervent plea to the Ministry of Education, urging an increase in allocations for desks to basic schools.
The call comes amidst mounting concerns over the inadequacy of seating facilities in Ghana’s public basic schools.
Eduwatch emphasized the critical role of desks in fostering conducive learning environments and enhancing the quality of education.
Highlighting the urgency of the matter, Eduwatch has proposed a minimum allocation of GHC 60 million in the 2024 GETFund formula specifically designated for desk procurement. It underscored the importance of adequate resources to address the longstanding issue of desk shortages, which has significantly hampered the learning experience for students across the country.
This was contained in a report on CSO-MEDIA monitoring of desks situation in Gushegu and Kintampo North public basic schools, released on March 4, 2024.
Furthermore, Eduwatch called on the Minister of Finance, urging the prompt release of outstanding funds earmarked for desk procurement under the 2023 GETFund formula.
It also emphasized the importance of timely disbursement to expedite the procurement process to alleviate the burden on schools grappling with inadequate seating facilities.
Parliament has also been called upon to intervene in the delayed disbursement of basic education funds under GETFund.
Eduwatch urged lawmakers to demonstrate a vested interest in the matter and demand accountability from the Minister of Finance regarding the sluggish disbursement process. It stressed the need for transparency and accountability to ensure efficient utilization of allocated funds.
In addition to governmental intervention, Eduwatch is rallying support from local governments and non-state actors, including faith-based organizations and private companies.
They urged these entities to actively participate in efforts to provide desks to public basic schools, emphasizing the collective responsibility in addressing the infrastructure gap in Ghana’s education sector.
Click here to read Eduwatch’s full statement
By: Bright Yao Dzakah | Metrotvonline.com | Ghana
