Dr Forson noted that basic education has long been neglected due to excessive focus on secondary education, leading to inadequate facilities and limited access for many children, especially in underserved communities.

To address this imbalance, government has committed to constructing 200 new junior high schools, 200 new primary schools, and 200 new kindergartens across the country.

In addition, 400 four-unit teachers’ bungalows and 400 places of convenience will be built to improve the welfare of teachers and enhance learning conditions in deprived areas. All the facilities, he said, will be fully furnished to ensure a conducive environment for teaching and learning.

“These interventions will create access for more than 200,000 additional students every year,” Dr Forson stated.

As part of the initiative, government will also distribute free, comprehensive curricula-based textbooks to learners at all levels of basic education. This includes four sets of kindergarten books and workbooks for about one million pupils, four sets of primary textbooks for two million learners, and nine sets of JHS 3 textbooks for another one million students.

The Finance Minister further revealed that the Ghana Publishing Company will be responsible for printing the textbooks locally, supporting domestic industry and ensuring timely distribution.