GETFund expands infrastructure investments in educational sector

THE Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) has undertaken extensive expansion in educational infrastructure and scholarships, driving its commitment to transform Ghana’s educational landscape.

 Administrator Dr. Richard Ampofo Boadu reported that GETFund completed a total of 2,749 infrastructure projects between 2017 and September 2024, aimed at enhancing accessibility and learning conditions across all levels of education.

This includes 1,501 projects at the basic education level, nine new model schools, four Technical Vocational and Educational Training (TVET) centers, and 74 projects at tertiary institutions, all developed to support both practical and academic learning for a growing student population.

To further support educational logistics, GETFund has procured and distributed 2,718 vehicles to institutions under the Ministry of Education. This allocation of vehicles is part of an operational push to improve school management and facilitate efficient operations within the educational system.

In the area of scholarships, GETFund has prioritized local talent development, significantly increasing the number of awards to Ghanaian students studying domestically.

During the 2023/24 academic year, 5,026 local students received scholarships, a marked increase from 1,680 in the 2019/20 academic year. Meanwhile, scholarships awarded to students abroad totaled 224 this year, underscoring GETFund’s new emphasis on local development.

Dr. Boadu attributes this shift to operational reforms, including digitalization efforts, which have streamlined fund management and enhanced transparency in the scholarship process. Since its establishment, GETFund has sponsored over 16,000 students at both local and international institutions.

Speaking at the annual GETFund Stakeholders Forum held at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), Dr. Boadu emphasized the Fund’s mission to foster Ghana’s human capital, stressing that scholarships, while constituting less than 5% of GETFund’s portfolio, have a substantial impact on the lives of students and families.

This year’s forum, themed “Supporting the Delivery of Quality Education in Ghana,” brought together educational leaders, university lecturers, school administrators, and students, showcasing GETFund’s achievements and spotlighting future goals.

Education Minister Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, in a statement read on his behalf, lauded GETFund’s instrumental role in upgrading educational infrastructure nationwide. He highlighted the Fund’s contributions to the construction of model schools, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) facilities, and TVET centers, which align with the government’s mission to build a skilled, workforce-ready population.

“Our vision at the Ministry of Education is to ensure that every Ghanaian child has access to quality education in a conducive learning environment, forming the backbone of our national development,” Dr. Adutwum stated. He underscored that GETFund’s investments will help secure Ghana’s human capital for long-term growth.

GETFund’s comprehensive efforts to expand infrastructure, increase local scholarship opportunities, and ensure logistical support for schools reflect a holistic approach to education reform.

By bolstering its commitment to quality education across the country, GETFund is not only addressing immediate needs but is also creating the foundation for a skilled, self-reliant workforce capable of driving Ghana’s economic development in the years to come.