Government Pays Feeding Grant Arrears of Special Needs Schools
- The government has paid GH¢8.9 million in outstanding feeding grants to special needs schools across Ghana
- The Ghana Education Service (GES) said the move showed the government's commitment to inclusive education
- Ghanaians reacted with mixed feelings, with some praising the government and others asking for more support
- Zikira Abdul Bashir, a school administrator, shared her views on this in a discussion with YEN.com.gh
The government has finally paid the outstanding feeding grants owed to special needs schools across the country.
An amount of GH¢8,989,866 was released towards the feeding grants for all learners in the special needs schools.
Source: UGC
According to a press release issued by the Ghana Education Service (GES), the disbursement demonstrated the government’s continued commitment to inclusive education and the well-being of learners with special needs.
“Management of the GES acknowledges and appreciates the patience, resilience, and dedication of all heads, staff, and learners with special needs. We also commend the government for prioritising special needs education. The GES remains committed to collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure equitable and quality education for every learner, regardless of ability,” read a press release signed by Daniel Fenyi, Public Relations Officer.
This move comes as a relief to these institutions, which have been struggling to provide adequate care and nutrition to their students due to financial constraints.
The development is expected to bring much-needed respite to these schools, enabling them to focus on providing quality education and support to their students.
The GES statement regarding the Special Needs School payments is below:
Government to build more Special Needs Schools
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education said in 2022 that it was considering building a school for gifted and talented children.
Then Minister for Education, Dr Yaw Adutwum, stated that it was vital to focus on gifted and talented students to enable them to operate effectively within the educational system.
Ghana boasts several gifted and talented children who gained attention on social media for their exceptional inventions.
Reactions to government paying feeding grant
Ghanaians on social media have shared mixed reactions to the news of the government clearing the feeding grant arrears for Special Needs Schools.
While some praised the commitment of the current government, led by President John Mahama, towards inclusive education, others used the opportunity to appeal to the GES to address their concerns.
YEN.com.gh compiled a few of the reactions below:
@Promise Key said:
"Inclusive education is what Ghana needs now but special schools it is still not inclusive education."
@Ebenezer Boadu also said.
"God bless you minister."
@Alhassan Inusah commented:
"2023 college trained teachers financial clearance."
@Twum Asamoah Collins also commented:
"When will you open the portal for pending for consideration."
Also reacting to this in an interview with YEN.com.gh, Zikira Abdul Bashir, a school administrator, said that the payment of GH¢8.9 million in outstanding feeding grants to special needs schools was a welcome development that would provide relief to these institutions and enable them to better cater to the nutritional needs of their students.
She further added that ensuring the well-being of all students, particularly those with special needs, was crucial for their academic success and overall development.
"This payment of GH¢8.9 million in outstanding feeding grants to special needs schools is a welcome development. It will undoubtedly provide much-needed relief to these institutions, enabling them to better cater to the nutritional needs of their students," she said.
"As a school administrator, I believe that ensuring the well-being of all students, particularly those with special needs, is crucial for their academic success and overall development. I hope this is a step towards a more sustainable and inclusive support system for these schools," she added.
Source: UGC
GES addresses salary challenges for picketing teachers
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that the GES addressed concerns from newly posted teachers demanding unpaid salaries after protests.
It explained that the delays were due to expired financial clearance, which was being processed through funds provided in the 2025 Budget.
A five-member committee representing the affected teachers was reportedly collaborating with the GES to resolve these salary issues.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
