Accra — Activists Nana Takyi and Nana Barimah Asamoah have dismissed claims by Kwesi Kwarteng suggesting that Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson is undermining the education sector, insisting that recent budgetary figures reflect strong investment and expansion rather than decline.
According to the 2026 national budget, the Ministry of Education has been allocated GH¢33.3 billion, supported by an additional GH¢9.9 billion from the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), which they describe as a major boost to the sector.
They argue that the figures contradict allegations of sabotage and instead point to increased funding for key education interventions across all levels.
They further cited the release of GH¢199.47 million by GETFund on April 20, 2026, to clear arrears for perishable food supplies under the Free SHS and TVET programmes, describing it as evidence of improved financial discipline and continuity in school support systems.
They also referenced the “No Fees Stress” policy for first-year tertiary students, noting that the Students Loan Trust Fund has processed data for more than 160,000 students, with financial backing from the Ministry of Finance to ensure timely disbursement.
At the basic education level, GH¢157 million has been allocated for the Capitation Grant, while GH¢1.98 billion has been earmarked for the School Feeding Programme to improve nutrition and boost school attendance.
The activists maintain that these interventions demonstrate deliberate efforts to strengthen education delivery rather than weaken it.
They argue that consistent releases to key education programmes show progress in clearing arrears and stabilising the sector.
According to them, the current funding pattern reflects recovery and consolidation rather than decline.
They insist that evidence from budget allocations and actual disbursements contradicts claims of sabotage and instead points to a strengthening education system.
They are therefore urging the public to rely on verified fiscal data rather than political rhetoric in assessing developments in the education sector.
Released for Media and Public Notice
23/04/2026
KWESI KWARTENG’S CLAIMS ON ATO FORSON’S RECORD WILL NOT HOLD
Ato Forson’s impact on education: A fact-based analysis, not propaganda or political rhetoric
Recent claims by Kwesi Kwarteng suggesting that Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson is sabotaging the education sector do not stand up to scrutiny when assessed against the 2026 national budget and recent financial releases. A careful review shows a sector being strengthened through sustained investment and targeted reforms rather than weakened by neglect.
In the 2026 fiscal year, the Ministry of Education was allocated GH¢33.3 billion, complemented by GH¢9.9 billion from GETFund. These are not merely budgetary figures but are supported by actual financial releases. On April 20, 2026, GETFund released GH¢199.47 million to clear arrears for perishable food supplies under the Free SHS and TVET programmes, ensuring continuity in implementation.
This level of financial commitment reflects a shift in education financing. The “No Fees Stress” policy for first-year tertiary students is being implemented, with the Students Loan Trust Fund processing data for over 160,000 students and the Ministry of Finance providing liquidity for timely payments.
In addition, GH¢207.8 million has been allocated for Teacher Trainee Allowances, with reports indicating that outstanding arrears have been cleared.
At the basic education level, GH¢157 million has been allocated for the Capitation Grant, while GH¢1.98 billion has been dedicated to the School Feeding Programme to improve nutrition and school attendance.
If this is described as sabotage, then the term is misplaced. The data show consistent funding, arrears clearance, and expansion of programmes.
The evidence is clear in the budget releases and implementation records, showing stability and continued investment in the education sector.
The narrative of sabotage, therefore, does not align with the facts. What is evident is a process of recovery, reinforcement, and expansion within the education system.
In conclusion, facts must take precedence over political rhetoric. The education sector is not being undermined but strengthened through deliberate policy and financial support.
Nana Barimah Asamoah
0551111981
Nana Takyi
0546572070
