Dr. Edem Segbefia, aspiring National Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has praised the Mahama administration for what he described as a major transformation of Ghana’s education sector, saying the government has restored hope to students, teachers, and parents across the country.
Speaking during an interactive engagement with NDC grassroots members in the Eastern Region, Dr. Segbefia said the education sector inherited by the Mahama administration was burdened by overcrowded classrooms, stalled infrastructure projects, unpaid allowances, and declining morale among both teachers and students. According to him, the sector is now on a path of quality, access, and equity.
He noted that the government’s commitment to strengthening the Free Senior High School programme has been demonstrated through significant investments in secondary education. He revealed that GH¢3.5 billion has been allocated to Free SHS, while the uncapping of GETFund has made an additional GH¢4.1 billion available to improve secondary school infrastructure and learning conditions.
Dr. Segbefia further stated that the government is working to eliminate the double-track system by expanding and upgrading schools across the country. He explained that several schools are being upgraded from Category D to C, C to B, and B to A status, a move expected to reduce overcrowding and improve academic performance.
Touching on tertiary education, he highlighted the government’s “No Fees Stress” initiative, which has provided financial relief to first-year students in public tertiary institutions. According to him, about 152,000 students benefited from the programme in 2025, while the number is projected to rise to 220,000 in 2026. He added that GH¢499.8 million has been allocated to support the initiative.
The aspiring National Vice Chairman also commended the introduction of free tertiary education for persons with disabilities. He disclosed that the programme is fully funded through GETFund with an annual allocation of GH¢50 million, while feeding grants for special schools have been increased from GH¢8 to GH¢15 per student per day.
Dr. Segbefia further cited the government’s expansion of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a key achievement. He said free TVET education has been extended up to the tertiary level, while new regional Centres of Excellence are being established to equip young people with practical and industry-relevant skills.
On teacher welfare, he indicated that the government has pledged not to construct new schools without providing accommodation for teachers. He added that plans are underway to introduce housing and vehicle loan schemes for teachers, while the supply of textbooks, prompt release of capitation grants, and completion of abandoned E-block and TVET projects remain priorities.
He also praised initiatives aimed at supporting girls’ education and strengthening basic education. According to him, more than 12.2 million sanitary pads were distributed to girls in public schools in 2025, supported by an allocation of GH¢292.4 million. He further noted that GH¢9.1 billion has been earmarked for basic education, the highest allocation to the sector in the country’s history.
Dr. Segbefia concluded by urging NDC grassroots members to remain united and continue supporting the Mahama administration. He said the reforms are creating opportunities for young people, easing financial burdens on families, improving teacher welfare, and strengthening public confidence in the NDC. According to him, the education sector has moved from crisis to recovery, giving Ghanaians renewed hope for the future.
