President John Dramani Mahama, in his 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA), announced a series of educational reforms designed to promote inclusion, equity, and quality education across Ghana.
The President highlighted his government’s commitment to disability rights, revealing plans to pass the Persons with Disability (Amendment) Bill alongside a Legislative Instrument to strengthen the Persons with Disability Act, 2006 (Act 715).
A key component of the reform is the introduction of a standardized National Sign Language for hearing-impaired learners from Kindergarten to Senior High School (SHS).
He assured that individuals with disabilities would continue to have access to free tertiary education and equal opportunities to pursue academic and professional goals.
“This year, the Ministry of Education will fully implement a new curriculum for Senior High Technical Schools and STEM Schools, introduce a standardized National Sign Language for hearing-impaired learners from Kindergarten to SHS, and review the Kindergarten and Primary School curriculums,” Mahama stated.
The President also emphasized the no-fee policy for Persons with Disabilities (PwD) gaining admission to tertiary institutions.
To further increase access to quality education, the government will fully implement a new curriculum for Senior High Technical Schools (SHTS) and STEM Schools while reviewing Kindergarten and Primary School curriculums.
Social intervention programmes like Capitation Grants, Feeding Grants for Special Schools, and free BECE registration for students will also be expanded.
In his commitment to promoting inclusion and equity, Mahama outlined targeted initiatives to enhance and resource the Islamic Education Unit and recruit more Islamic and Arabic tutors.
The President also announced a new policy to retain and motivate teachers, especially in rural and underserved areas. A 20% allowance will be introduced for teachers posted to such locations, with District Assemblies playing a supervisory role to ensure teachers are present and actively teaching.
This initiative, Mahama added, is a reward for the sacrifice of teachers who work under challenging conditions to provide quality education nationwide.