Haruna Iddrisu: Education Minister-designate pledges to uncap GETFund to boost education infrastructure

The Education Minister-designate, Haruna Iddrisu, has announced plans to uncap the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) as a matter of urgency to bolster infrastructural development in the education sector.

Speaking before the Appointments Committee on Monday, 20 January 2025, Mr Iddrisu stated that the decision to uncap GETFund will be taken in collaboration with the Finance Minister to free up additional resources for the fund’s intended purpose.

“In the last few years, the GETFund has suffered because of the decision of the then Finance Minister to cap it. President Mahama has gone public, and I join him to say that we will uncap GETFund to free additional resources to support robust infrastructural development,” he said.

He further emphasised his commitment to act swiftly: “I will engage the Minister for Finance to uncap GETFund as a matter of expediency.”

Background on the capping of GETFund

The capping of GETFund was implemented during the previous administration under the leadership of then Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta. The measure was introduced as part of recommendations by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to secure a loan deal.

However, Mr Iddrisu, who is also the Member of Parliament for Tamale South, argued that the decision has hindered the fund’s ability to fulfil its purpose, particularly in addressing critical educational infrastructure needs.

Mr Iddrisu noted that the plan to uncap GETFund would be incorporated into broader discussions with the IMF to review existing agreements.

“…and for the President to engage with the IMF to review the memorandum which included GETFund in the negotiations. President Mahama has said that he will review the IMF, so part of the review will be to uncap the GETFund,” he added.