Government to Construct 600 Basic Schools Nationwide to End “Schools Under Trees” – Apaak

Ferdinand  | Education Ghana | March 3 |Government to Construct 600 Basic Schools Nationwide to End “Schools Under Trees” – Apaak

The Government has announced plans to construct 600 new basic school facilities across Ghana as part of efforts to eliminate the long-standing phenomenon of schools operating under trees.

Deputy Minister for Education Hon. Clement Appak , disclosed that the initiative will cover the construction of 200 junior high schools, 200 kindergarten blocks and 200 primary school blocks across the country.

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Addressing Infrastructure Deficits

Dr Apaak made the announcement during a courtesy call by 52 top Basic Education Certificate Examination awardees. He explained that rapid population growth and delayed infrastructure expansion have contributed significantly to the emergence of makeshift learning centres in many communities.

According to him, the current administration inherited more than 5,000 schools operating under trees and other temporary structures.

“As I speak, there are many parts of the country where we have sufficient populations for schools to start, and because, as a state, we are not paying heed to population growth, the communities themselves come together and start a school, and that is how schools-under-trees come to be,” he stated.

He added that government is making a deliberate and coordinated effort to eliminate the situation.

Backed by Budget and SONA Commitment

Dr Apaak noted that the plan was reaffirmed by President Mahama in the State of the Nation Address and is supported by allocations captured in the 2026 Budget.

The construction of the 600 facilities is expected to improve access to quality basic education, provide safer learning environments and reduce overcrowding in deprived communities.

Education stakeholders have long called for sustained investment in infrastructure to address inequities between urban and rural schools. The latest announcement signals renewed attention to foundational education as part of broader reforms within the sector.

Further details on timelines, funding mechanisms and regional distribution of the projects are expected to be released by the Ministry of Education in due course.