Government to Roll Out Free Education for All Persons With Special Needs From January, 2026 – Haruna Iddrisu

The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has announced that beginning January 1, 2026, the government will make education completely free for all persons with special needs. The initiative, championed by President John Mahama, is expected to become one of the administration’s key and lasting legacies.

“Beginning January 1, 2026, President Mahama will formally declare free education for all persons with special needs, a legacy we are committed to preserving,” the Minister said speaking in Parliament on Wednesday December 3, 2025

Currently, Ghana has about 39 integrated schools across the country, where students live on ₵8 a day. Government is set to increase this daily allowance to ₵15 to improve the welfare and support systems for these learners.

Haruna Iddrisu further revealed that between ₵65 million and ₵100 million will be allocated annually from the GETFund to sustain the policy. He noted that an amendment to the GETFund Act is underway to provide the needed financial backing for the programme.

The Minister also disclosed that President Mahama has directed that the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) allocation for persons with disabilities be increased from 3% to 5% as part of government’s commitment to improving their lives.

The policy is expected to ease the financial burden on families of children with special needs and expand access to inclusive education nationwide.