Ghana's National Union of Students seeks to reject proposed formula for GETFund disbursement, citing negative impact on student loan and education agencies. Education experts urge Parliament to take immediate action to prevent sector collapse.
NUGS has submitted a petition to Parliament requesting the uncapping of the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund). According to NUGS, the GETFund's cap has resulted in a reduction in education funding, which has negatively impacted the allocation of funds to the Student Loan Trust Fund and other educational organizations. Dennis Appiah Larbi Ampofo, NUGS's National President, presented the petition to the Education Committee of Parliament, urging them to reject the proposed formula for the disbursement of GETFund in 2023.
Ampofo argued that Act 947, particularly the GETFund portion, has impeded Ghana's education progress. He claimed that the necessary funds intended for educational agencies have ceased, leading to a decline in funding for education. He urged the committee to uncap the GETFund and reject the proposed formula to guarantee the fund's future.
Kofi Asare, the Executive Director of Education Think Tank, Africa Education Watch, supported NUGS's petition, stating that education funds should only be used for education purposes. Asare urged the committee to make a decision by March 20 to prevent the collapse of the education sector.
