Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has told Parliament that the government will make education completely free for all persons with disabilities from January 1, 2026.

He said the move forms part of a broader effort to support children and adults with special needs and to reduce the financial barriers that hinder their education.

Haruna Iddrisu announced on Wednesday, December 3, during a statement to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

He said President Mahama would formally launch the policy at the start of next year. “Mr Speaker, I'm happy to note that from the 1st of January, 2026, President Mahama will make a formal declaration declaring education for all persons with special needs free in Ghana, and would want that to be an enduring legacy and to reach out to them as very marginalised, deprived people.”

He noted that 39 integrated and special needs schools would benefit immediately. According to him, “currently, those of them in their schools and the special needs, we call them integrated and special needs. There are about 39 of them spread across the country, particularly in Ashanti, Volta Region, and other parts of it. They live on GH₵8 a day. Government is increasing that to GH₵15.”

Haruna Iddrisu said he would soon present an amendment to the GETFund Act to support the programme. “I'm here with an amendment to the GETFund Act, and part of the amendment is to declare special needs education free in Ghana. And every other year, the GETFund will be obliged through Parliament to make a minimum allocation of GH₵65 million to GH₵100 million dedicated to their feeding,” he explained.

He added that the initiative will also provide essential assistive devices for learners with disabilities. “What is significant, Mr Speaker, will be assistive devices. Elsewhere in the world, those of them who are unable to hear, there are devices that can aid hearing. We will also provide that for them,” he said.

The Minister further announced that the President had directed an increase in the District Assemblies Common Fund allocation for persons with disabilities.

“I'm also aware that the President has directed that the district assembly common fund allocation for persons with disabilities be increased from 3% to 5% and that this money must be spent at the local level and accessibility to the fund must be from the Federation of Disabled People,” he said.