All physically-challenged children of school going age in the country would enjoy free education by 2010. This is contained in the 2010 budget and fiscal policy presented to Parliament by the Finance Minister Dr Kwabena Duffuor on Thursday. Dr Duffuor said the move is part of the ruling government’s determination to protect the vulnerable in society. “Government will also continue to pursue policies that will protect the vulnerable and disadvantaged in society and give them equal opportunities. Beginning in fiscal year 2010, Government will provide free education to all disabled children of school going age,” he said, attracting loud cheers from the Majority side. The budget themed, Growth and Stability, also highlight government’s plans to improve education, especially, in the rural areas. Dr Duffuor said the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government would improve access to formal education for all children irrespective of their location on the map. “Government also recognizes the need for quality education for all children irrespective of where they reside. The challenge however is getting teachers to deprived areas of the country in pursuit of this objective,” he stated. “In fulfilment of the President’s pledge to the people of Ghana, modalities for rewarding teachers who accept posting to deprived areas are being worked out for implementation in the 2010 medium term.” The wide-ranging budget gave highlights on all sectors of the economy, touching on various policy interventions to be carried by government in the sectors. The Finance Minister firmed government’s determination to improve the health sector and ensure rapid response to emergency situations. He said government would establish an ambulance station in each district and bring all ambulance services under a National Ambulance Service. He however did not state exactly when such a service would be established. On poverty, Dr Duffuor said government would earmark GH¢2.3 billion towards pro-poor activities. “This amount will go to support basic education, primary health care, poverty-focused agriculture, provision of rural water, construction of feeder roads and rural electrification,” he indicated. Government will also spend GH¢52.3 million, out of a planned High Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) fund of GH¢261.6 million, on “domestic interest payments, and the remaining GH¢168.9 million for sectoral programs.” Parliament will debate the on the 971 issues raised in the document and make recommendations. That legislative exercise is expected to start next week. Story by Fiifi Koomson/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana