The 2024 Mid-Year Budget Review presented by the former Minister of Finance, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, touched on increased funding for education, in the area of teacher allowances, increased capitation grants for basic schools, professional skills and development for teachers, as well as continuous professional development for teachers, improved working conditions for teachers, and support for teacher associations.

It provided a framework for supporting teachers welfare, enhancing their skills and ultimately improving the quality of education in the country.

Given its focus, the 2025 Budget and Fiscal Statement is expected to build on these foundations with enhanced commitment in key areas.

One area that is likely to see attention is the Free Senior High School program, introduced by the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo government in 2017 to improve access to senior high school education.

The budget is expected to reaffirm the government's commitment to improving infrastructure, ensuring sustainable funding, among others.

Another area likely to receive attention is Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

Anticipated measures could include increase funding for STEM schools, enhanced teacher training in the science and technology and expansion in teaching and learning materials as well as equipping science resource centres to support STEM education, as well Technical and Vocational Education (T-VET).

Speaking in Parliament on March 5, 2025, the education minister, Haruna Iddrisu announced plans by the government to build STEM schools across the country.

"We will build more, and each region will get a STEM school. We remain committed to expanding access to quality education from primary to secondary levels. All the abandoned GETFund projects in your various constituencies will receive substantial investments to ensure their completion," he said.

Additionally, there could be improved conditions for teachers, as part of efforts to retain them in underserved areas, as well as continuous professional development for teachers.

With respect to tertiary education, it is anticipated that there would be provisions for the tuition free education policy for first year students and providing continuing students with financial assistance through a reformed scholarship regime.

Overall, the 2025 budget would ensure that teachers, students and educational institutions receive the necessary support to push the country's development agenda.

JKB/AE

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