Despite decades of progress, Ghana’s education sector still faces significant infrastructure challenges. Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has revealed that around 5,000 schools across the country continue to operate under trees, leaving students and teachers without proper learning environments.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, Mr. Iddrisu expressed deep concern over the state of educational facilities, especially in junior high schools. He stressed that the lack of physical and digital resources affects the quality of education, questioning the basic tools (teaching and learning resources) available to teachers and students.
“It’s unacceptable that, 30 years after the 1992 constitution, Ghana has not achieved free compulsory universal basic education,” he stated. According to him, approximately 759 schools are in urgent need of infrastructure improvements to eliminate the practice of holding classes outdoors.
The Minister also highlighted the stark disparity in education quality between urban and rural areas, with southern Ghana generally outperforming northern regions, including Western North and Oti. “We still have quality issues — more in urban areas and less in rural areas,” he noted, emphasizing the need for balanced development to ensure equal opportunities for all students.
Addressing these gaps, Mr. Iddrisu called for immediate action to modernize school infrastructure and equip students with the skills they need to thrive in the 21st century.
“It’s time to correct these imbalances so students everywhere can develop the competencies needed for the future,” he urged.
The situation paints a clear picture: achieving universal, high-quality education in Ghana requires urgent attention and collective effort. Investing in school infrastructure is not just a necessity — it’s a commitment to the future of the nation’s children.
