The Government has increased the daily feeding grant for learners in special schools from GH¢8 to GH¢15 per child, a move aimed at improving the welfare of learners with disabilities and strengthening inclusive education across the country.
The announcement was made by the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, during a press briefing in Accra on July 2, 2026.
According to the Minister, the revised feeding grant takes immediate effect and reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that learners in special schools receive adequate nutritional support.
Mr. Iddrisu noted that the previous allocation of GH¢8 per learner had generated concerns among education stakeholders, who argued that it was insufficient to provide nutritious meals for students in special schools.
He explained that the new allocation of GH¢15 per learner is intended to enhance the welfare and educational experience of children with special needs.
The Minister emphasized that the intervention forms part of broader efforts by the government to improve conditions in special schools and ensure that learners with disabilities receive the support they need to thrive academically and socially.
Beyond the increase in feeding grants, the Minister announced that the government has set aside GH¢100 million annually beginning in 2027 to support programmes and interventions for persons with special needs.
He indicated that the dedicated funding mechanism will be maintained throughout the tenure of President John Dramani Mahama and will be used to improve access to education and strengthen services for learners with disabilities.
According to Mr. Iddrisu, the funding will facilitate the implementation of policies and programmes designed to address the needs of persons with disabilities across the country.
The Education Minister further disclosed that the government has made available GH¢40 million for the procurement of assistive learning materials for special schools.
The resources are expected to support the acquisition of teaching and learning aids for students with visual, hearing, physical, and other educational needs.
The intervention is aimed at enhancing classroom instruction and creating a more inclusive and accessible learning environment within special schools.
In a related development, Mr. Iddrisu called on the Students Loan Trust Fund to consider extending its loan scheme to medical students who require financial assistance.
He noted that expanding access to student loans for medical trainees would help reduce financial barriers and support the training of future healthcare professionals.
Ghana currently has 39 special schools, with more than 20 operating as boarding institutions and serving thousands of learners with diverse disabilities nationwide.
Stakeholders are expected to welcome the latest interventions, particularly the increase in feeding grants, which has long been a major concern for school administrators, parents, and disability rights advocates.
The measures form part of government’s broader agenda to promote inclusive education and ensure that all learners, regardless of their abilities, have access to quality education and the resources necessary for their development.
