Africa Education Watch (Eduwatch) is urging the government to enforce a minimum one-year manufacturer’s warranty on all school desks procured for public basic schools under the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF).

The call comes after the government allocated about GH₵600 million to address the nationwide deficit of roughly one million desks in basic schools. Eduwatch, however, has raised concerns over recurring cases of substandard furniture, with some desks reportedly deteriorating within a year, undermining value for money and leaving pupils without proper learning spaces.

In a statement issued on Monday, November 17, Eduwatch called on the Ministry of Local Government to work closely with the Ministry of Education to ensure District Assemblies demand warranty clauses in all procurement contracts.

"Eduwatch calls on the Ministry of Local Government to work closely with the Ministry of Education, to ensure that all District Assemblies demand a minimum one-year warranty on desks supplied under this programme," the statement noted.

The organisation stressed that this approach aligns with best practices in countries such as South Africa, Kenya, and Rwanda, where warranties on school furniture are standard to guarantee quality and strengthen accountability.

"This aligns with best practice across Africa, where countries such as South Africa, Kenya, and Rwanda require warranties on school furniture to guarantee quality, protect public funds, and improve accountability in the supply chain."

Eduwatch argued that a mandatory warranty would hold suppliers responsible for defects, improve production standards, extend the lifespan of school furniture, and ensure better value for the taxpayer.

"A mandatory warranty will ensure suppliers take responsibility for product defects, motivate higher production standards, extend the lifespan of school furniture, and deliver better value for the taxpayer," the organisation urged.

It further called on the two ministries to provide clear directives to all District Assemblies before awarding contracts.

"We urge both Ministries to issue clear guidelines directing all Assemblies to incorporate warranty clauses in their procurement processes before contracts are awarded," it added.