The Board Chairman of the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), Mr. Emmanuel Kwesi Bedzrah has said that government has committed more than 34 percent of Ghana’s national budget to education, its single largest sectoral allocation, signalling a deepening push to build human capital as the backbone of economic development.
Speaking at a sod-cutting ceremony for new infrastructure projects at Afife Senior High Technical School (ASSETS) in the Ketu North Municipality of the Volta Region, Mr. Bedzrah said the scale of investment, particularly in technical and vocational education, reflects government’s recognition that skills development is critical to Ghana’s growth agenda.
“This level of spending is deliberate. It is an investment in your future and in the future leadership of this country,” Mr. Bedzrah, who is also the Member of Parliament for Ho West, told students at the event.
With Ghana’s macroeconomic indicators showing signs of improvement and renewed investor interest, the minister said the availability of skilled labour would be decisive in determining how many young people benefit from emerging opportunities.
“As investors come in, the key question is whether we have the skills they need. Without that, employment opportunities will pass us by,” he cautioned.
Mr. Bedzrah reaffirmed government’s commitment to the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy, revealing that about 45 percent of GETFund’s budget is currently absorbed by the programme alone.
He explained that this financial pressure had informed the Fund’s decision to prioritise the completion of projects that are at least 75 percent complete, to ensure value for money and timely delivery.
He also acknowledged challenges linked to inadequate accommodation on some campuses, noting that the absence of boarding facilities exposed students, especially girls to social risks.
He encouraged female students to remain focused, pointing to the growing representation of women in national leadership as proof of what is possible through education.
Beyond classrooms, Mr. Bedzrah said government is strengthening school feeding, sanitation, and general infrastructure to improve learning outcomes and student welfare nationwide.
He expressed optimism that ASSETS could expand its student population from about 440 to over 1,000 once the new facilities are completed, a development he said would stimulate the local economy through job creation and increased commercial activity.
“I am fully committed to supporting efforts to transform this school into one of the best in the district,” he added.
The Member of Parliament for Ketu North, Mr. Eric Edem Agbana, outlined the scope of the GETFund-supported projects, which include two-storey dormitory blocks for boys and girls with staff bungalows, a two-storey administration and library complex, and a 24-seater water-closet toilet facility.
He announced additional interventions aimed at giving the school a distinct senior high school identity, including land demarcation, landscaping, and tree planting along the school’s boundaries.
Survey work, he said, would begin soon to allow students to participate in the greening exercise.
Mr. Agbana also revealed plans to establish a school farm, in line with government policy encouraging senior high schools to engage in agriculture to support feeding programmes and generate income.
The project, he said, could expand beyond an initial five-acre allocation once land demarcation is completed.
The Ketu North Municipal Director of Education, Mr. Gerhard Avudzivi, described the sod-cutting ceremony as a turning point for ASSETS, which has historically played a key role in technical education but has been constrained by limited residential, administrative, and sanitation facilities.
“These projects represent a bold step towards transforming the school into a fully functional boarding institution,” he said, adding that boarding facilities would enhance supervision, discipline, safety, and student retention.
He assured stakeholders that the Ghana Education Service would closely supervise the projects to ensure quality workmanship and timely completion.
For the Afife Traditional Council, the Paramount Chief, Torgbui Adrakpaŋya VI, said the ceremony symbolised renewal and opportunity for the community.
He pledged the council’s full support and expressed confidence that the projects would be executed to the highest standards and completed on schedule.
