The World Bank has announced an additional $117 million grant from the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) to extend the Ghana Accountability for Learning Outcomes Project (GALOP) to all public primary and kindergarten schools across the country.

This expansion aims to enhance foundational learning and equip pupils with critical skills essential for the development of basic education in Ghana.

World Bank Country Director, Dr Robert Taliercio, disclosed the funding during a site visit to St. Thomas Presbyterian Primary School (Osu) and Kindergarten alongside the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu.

He attributed the additional grant to the project’s success, noting that GALOP, which initially targeted 10,000 low-performing schools, has significantly improved education quality.

With this latest funding, the total disbursement for GALOP has reached $335.83 million. The World Bank had previously allocated $218.7 million to the project, which is set to conclude in 2026.

Dr. Taliercio reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to improving education in Ghana, stated that quality education is crucial for the country’s socio-economic development.

“Education is the key to addressing poverty and building the capacity of the youth for the world of work and national development,” he stated, encouraging pupils to study diligently to excel in their education.

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu commended the World Bank for its continued support, highlighting the importance of foundational literacy and numeracy in shaping children’s future.

He also announced that, as part of GALOP’s initiatives, a national standardized test will be introduced this year for pupils from Class One to JHS 2.