Ghana: education

What is the literacy rate in Ghana?

69.8% of Ghanaians aged 6 and older are literate in at least one language, according to the 2021 Population and Housing Census. 30.2% are not literate, a higher share among females (34.4%) than males (25.9%). Literacy ranges from 87.9% in Greater Accra to 32.8% in Savannah Region. In urban areas 80.6% of people aged 6 and older are literate, against 55.2% in rural areas.

The census asked whether people can read and write a simple sentence with understanding in any language, including Ghanaian languages, English and French. Nine of the 16 regions are below the national rate.

Official sources: Ghana Statistical Service: 2021 PHC Volume 3 highlights

What is Free SHS in Ghana?

Free Senior High School (Free SHS) is Ghana's policy of free secondary education, and in its 2026 Budget Statement the Ministry of Finance says the Ghana Education Trust Fund has been uncapped to provide full financing for it. The programme has been expanded to 70 private schools through the Computerised School Placement System to end the double-track system, with a full move to a single-track calendar planned for 2026.

Under the double-track system, schools without enough places taught students in alternating groups. The budget also introduces the Ghana Secondary Learning Improvement Programme for 2026 and 2027 to expand capacity in high-demand schools. Placement into senior high schools is handled by the Computerised School Selection and Placement System.

Official sources: Ministry of Finance: 2026 Budget Statement · Computerised School Selection and Placement System

How many students benefit from the No Academic Fee policy in Ghana?

Ghana's "No Academic Fee Policy" benefited 120,222 first-year tertiary students, with 23,704 applications pending validation, according to the Ministry of Finance's 2026 Budget Statement. The number of beneficiaries is projected to rise to over 220,000 in the 2026/2027 academic year.

The policy covers academic fees for first-year students in public tertiary institutions, such as universities, technical universities and colleges of education. Tertiary institutions are regulated by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission.

Official sources: Ministry of Finance: 2026 Budget Statement · Ghana Tertiary Education Commission

How much does Ghana spend on school feeding?

Ghana's 2026 budget allocates GH₵1.98 billion to the Ghana School Feeding Programme, according to the Ministry of Finance's 2026 Budget Statement. It also allocates GH₵157 million for capitation grants to schools, GH₵292 million for free sanitary pads for girls, GH₵207 million for teacher trainee allowances and GH₵169 million for BECE registration. The budget says the School Feeding Programme's budget rose by 33% in 2025, allowing caterers to be paid on time.

The School Feeding Programme provides meals to pupils in public basic schools. Capitation grants pay schools a fixed amount per pupil so that basic education is free. The Ghana Education Service runs public basic schools.

Official sources: Ministry of Finance: 2026 Budget Statement · Ghana Education Service

How many people are trained under Ghana's TVET programmes?

10,739 master craftspersons, apprentices and workers received training vouchers under the Ghana TVET Voucher Project, according to the Ministry of Finance's 2026 Budget Statement, and a further 10,000 are to be supported in 2026. Six regional TVET Centres of Excellence are being built. Under the Complementary Basic Education Programme, 9,246 out-of-school learners completed Cycle 9, with a 92% success rate.

Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) gives practical skills for trades and industry. Vouchers let trainees pay for courses at accredited providers. Placement into senior high and technical schools is through the Computerised School Selection and Placement System.

Official sources: Ministry of Finance: 2026 Budget Statement · Computerised School Selection and Placement System

What is primary school enrolment in Ghana?

In 2019, net primary school enrolment in Ghana was 86.2%, according to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics. Its high point since 2005 was 2015, at 89.3%; its low point was 2006, at 62.8%.

What is secondary school enrolment in Ghana?

According to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, gross secondary school enrolment in Ghana was 75.7% in 2024. The peak was 77.8% in 2022 and the low 38.1% in 2005. It is 4th highest of 11 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 65.3%. World rank, highest first: 83rd of 100.

What is university enrolment in Ghana?

The UNESCO Institute for Statistics puts gross tertiary enrolment in Ghana at 21.3% in 2024. Since 2005 it has ranged from 4.8% (2006) to 22.1% (2023). Sub-Saharan Africa median: 12.9%; Ghana is 3rd highest of 14. Worldwide: 72nd of 90.

How many adults in Ghana can read?

The latest figure from the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, for 2021, is 76.5%. That compares with 71.5% in 2010. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 75.2%, and Ghana placed 6th highest of 14. Of 43 countries with 2021 data, 30th highest.

What is Ghana's education spending?

The UNESCO Institute for Statistics puts government spending on education in Ghana at 2.9% of GDP in 2022. That is the lowest since at least 2005. It is 23rd highest of 39 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 3.2% of GDP. Of 155 countries with 2022 data, 117th highest.

What is the pupil-teacher ratio in Ghana?

In 2019, the number of primary pupils per teacher in Ghana was 27, according to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics. That is the lowest since at least 2005.

What share of children in Ghana finish primary school?

In 2024, the primary completion rate in Ghana was 97.5%, according to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 77.3%, and Ghana placed 2nd highest of 19. World rank, highest first: 41st of 104.