Across Ghana, over 5,400 basic schools still operate under trees or in makeshift structures, leaving thousands of children without shelter, desks or trained teachers. 

As the world advances in educational technology, many Ghanaian children remain in dire conditions, highlighting the deep inequalities in access to quality education.

Recent data shows that 1.2 million children aged 4 to 17 years have never attended school, with 30 dropping out each day.

A key factor is the shortage of accessible, well-equipped schools, especially in rural areas. Critics point to skewed budget priorities: In 2023, only 20 per cent of the Ministry of Education’s budget went to basic education, while tertiary institutions and administrative costs received the lion’s share.

Advocates estimate GHS 3.5 billion is needed to end the “schools under trees” crisis.

They argue that better use of the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) could have resolved the issue between 2021 and 2024.

Now, with Parliament approving GHS 800 million for basic education in 2024—the highest in seven years, there is renewed hope.

Civil society groups are urging the government to prioritise deprived communities and redirect oil revenues towards foundational education.

Beyond the numbers are real children whose dreams are at stake because of all the odds that are stacked against them.

Growing consensus

There is a growing consensus among civil society organisations such as Campaign Against Privatisation and Commercialisation of Education (CAPCOE), EDUWATCH, Education International (EI) and the Frederich Egbert Foundation (FES) that, ending the practice of teaching and learning under trees is not a luxury, it is a necessity.

As Ghana positions itself as a leader in West Africa, calls are mounting for the country to put its youngest citizens first.

Education, they say, is a right, not a privilege, and the time to act is now.

The writer is the Convener for the Campaign for Privatisation and Commercialisation of Education (CAPCOE)