The Cabinet has approved a $300 million World Bank financing package to support infrastructure development in senior high schools in the country. This financing package is part of the Transformative Secondary Education for Access, Results and Relevance for Jobs (STARR-J) Project.
The project aims to improve access to quality secondary education while strengthening learning outcomes. It is intended to address infrastructure deficits that emerged following the expansion of the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy. This policy led to a sharp increase in student enrollment and the introduction of the double-track system to ease congestion in schools.
Minister for Education Haruna Iddrisu disclosed the Cabinet's approval during the Government Accountability Series in Accra on Monday, July 20. He described the funding as a major step towards addressing infrastructure challenges confronting the country's second-cycle education sector.
According to the minister, once Parliament ratifies the financing agreement, the funds will be channeled into expanding and improving infrastructure in senior high schools. This will support the long-term sustainability of the Free Senior High School policy. The investment will help bridge critical infrastructure gaps, including the construction and rehabilitation of classrooms, dormitories, and other essential facilities.
The project is expected to create the capacity needed to phase out the double-track system. Mr Iddrisu expressed confidence that parliamentary approval would pave the way for the commencement of the project. He stated that this would enable the government to accelerate efforts to improve learning conditions and sustain the gains made under the Free SHS program.
Parliament is expected to consider the agreement on Tuesday, July 21. If ratified, the project will be a significant step towards addressing the infrastructure challenges facing the country's senior high schools. The outcome will have a direct impact on the quality of education provided to students in the country.
Source: JOY
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