The Executive Director of Africa Education Watch (Eduwatch), Kofi Asare has described the 2025 budget allocation for education as promising.

He said the allocations to specific areas such as the Free Senior High School, the Capitation Grants, School Feeding, and free textbooks give hope for the sector.

Mr. Asare made the comments on Wednesday in response to the education budget presented by Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minister of Finance to Parliament on Tuesday.

The budget allocated GH¢499.8 million for the No-Academic-Fee policy for all first-year students in public tertiary institutions.

It also allocated GH¢292.4 million to begin the distribution of free sanitary pads to female students in primary and secondary schools.

The government has also decided to uncap the GETFund to provide dedicated funds for fully financing free secondary education and free tertiary education for persons with disabilities.

The budget also allocated GH¢145.5 million to the Capitation Grant, up from GH¢84 million in 2024, marking a 73.2 per cent increase.

An additional GH¢203 million was allocated for Teacher Trainee allowances, and GH¢480 million for Nursing Trainee allowances.

Mr. Asare noted that government allocations to key sectors were the highest compared to previous years.

He urged authorities to ensure the timely disbursement of these funds.

However, Mr. Asare disagreed with the government’s allocation of GH¢203 million for teacher trainee allowances and over GH¢200 million for nursing trainee allowances.

He described the allocations as wasteful and suggested that the money be used to improve the student loan scheme.

“These are allocations; we are yet to see the full details of the budget statement, especially on education, and respond appropriately.

“Our response to the allocations is good, which is 10 per cent; 90 per cent is how the government will ensure its timely release to the sectors,” he added.

Mr. Asare said the credibility of the budget would depend on how the allocations were implemented, calling on sector agencies to ensure spending efficiency.

He commended the government’s plan to distribute free sanitary pads to girls in schools, stating that the initiative would help reduce absenteeism during their menstrual periods.