GETFund Releases GH¢22.3 Million for 2026 WASSCE Practicals: What It Means for Students, Parents, and Schools

The Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) has released GH¢22.3 million to all Senior High Schools (SHS) and Senior High Technical Schools (SHTS) across the country to fully fund the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) practicals.

This intervention is part of a larger disbursement of GH¢199,471,691, aimed at settling outstanding payments for perishable supplies and supporting critical educational needs.

What the GH¢22.3 Million Covers

The funds are specifically allocated to ensure that all practical components of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination are conducted smoothly.

Practical Examination Support Includes:

• Provision of laboratory materials:
  This includes chemicals for science subjects such as Chemistry and Biology, ensuring students can perform experiments without shortages.
• Technical and vocational resources:
  Tools, equipment, and materials needed for subjects like technical drawing, engineering, and vocational training are covered.
• Home Economics and Food & Nutrition supplies:
  Ingredients and cooking materials required for practical assessments will be fully funded.
• General logistics and coordination:
  Funds will also support transportation, preparation, and organisation of practical exams at school level.

This ensures that no school is left struggling to provide the required materials during the examination period.

• DTI-A, SMF Launch Expanded Scholarship Opportunities for African Youth

Government’s Commitment to Free and Fair Education

According to Ghana Education Service (GES), this funding reaffirms the government’s commitment to:

• Ensuring equal access to exams:
  Every candidate, regardless of financial background, will have the opportunity to participate fully in practical examinations.
• Eliminating extra financial burden on parents:
  Parents and guardians are not expected to pay any additional fees for practicals.
• Maintaining the integrity of the Free SHS policy:
  The move aligns with the broader goal of reducing hidden costs in public education.

Official Confirmation and Assurance

The Head of Public Relations at Ghana Education Service, Daniel Fenyi, confirmed the release and emphasized its importance:

• The funding will ensure a smooth and well-coordinated examination process
• Students can now focus fully on their academic work
• Parents are relieved of any financial obligations related to practical exams

GES also assured the public that strict monitoring mechanisms are in place to ensure funds are used appropriately.

Responsibilities of School Authorities

 School Heads Must:

• Use the funds strictly for practical examination purposes
• Ensure all required materials are available for students
• Avoid imposing unauthorized charges on students
• Apply now!! MTN Ghana Supports 500 Scholarships to Tertiary Education

Regional and District Directors Must:

• Monitor how funds are distributed and utilized
• Ensure compliance with national guidelines
• Report any misuse or irregularities

Accountability Measures

GES has emphasized that:

• There will be continuous monitoring and evaluation
• Schools will be held accountable for misuse of funds
• Transparency is key to maintaining trust in the system

Impact on Students and Parents

 For Students

• Guaranteed access to all practical exams
• Better preparation due to availability of materials
• Reduced stress during the examination period

For Parents and Guardians

• No need to pay extra fees for practicals
• Financial relief during an already demanding period
• Increased confidence in the education system

Reported Concerns: Illegal Charges in Some Schools

Despite the official funding, there have been reports that:

• Some headmasters are charging students between GH¢200 and GH¢500
• Certain students are allegedly being threatened with exclusion if they fail to pay

Why This Is a Problem:

• It contradicts government policy
• It places unnecessary financial pressure on families
• It risks denying students their right to sit for exams

GES Warning and Position

The Ghana Education Service has made it clear that:

• No student should be charged for WASSCE practicals
• No candidate should be prevented from writing exams due to non-payment
• School authorities must act responsibly and ethically

Failure to comply could result in sanctions against school administrators.

Why This Funding Matters

1. Promotes Equity in Education

• Ensures all students, regardless of income level, have equal opportunities

 2. Strengthens Exam Integrity

• Adequate materials prevent shortcuts or compromised practical exams

 3. Reduces Hidden Costs

• Supports the Free SHS policy by eliminating unofficial fees

4. Improves Academic Performance

• Students perform better when they have proper resources and less stress

Conclusion

The release of GH¢22.3 million by the Ghana Education Trust Fund is a significant step toward ensuring a smooth and fair 2026 WASSCE experience.

While the funding provides full coverage for practical exams, strict enforcement and monitoring are essential to prevent misuse and protect students from illegal charges.