Ferdinand | Education Ghana | March 2 | Mahama Clears Capitation Grant Arrears and Settles BECE Subsidy Debt in Major Education Financing Reform
President John Dramani Mahama announces full clearance of Capitation Grant arrears and BECE registration subsidy debts to WAEC in SONA 2026, boosting basic education funding and school stability across Ghana.
The President has announced the full clearance of outstanding Capitation Grant arrears owed to public basic schools and the settlement of all BECE registration subsidy debts due to the (WAEC).
The announcement was made during the 2026 State of the Nation Address delivered in Parliament on Friday, February 27, 2026, where the President described the move as a critical intervention to stabilise Ghana’s basic education financing system.
What the Capitation Grant Clearance Means
The Capitation Grant is a government-funded programme that provides per-pupil financial support to public basic schools to cover essential operational expenses, including teaching and learning materials, minor repairs, and administrative costs.
In recent years, delays in disbursement and arrears had affected school operations in some districts, with headteachers raising concerns about funding gaps.
President Mahama told Parliament that all outstanding arrears have now been fully paid, restoring confidence in the system and ensuring that public basic schools can function without financial uncertainty.
Education stakeholders say the clearance is expected to improve planning, procurement of instructional materials, and overall school management at the kindergarten, primary, and junior high school levels.
BECE Registration Subsidies Fully Settled
In addition to the Capitation Grant arrears, government has also cleared all outstanding BECE registration subsidies owed to WAEC.
The BECE subsidy ensures that final-year Junior High School students in public schools are registered for the Basic Education Certificate Examination without financial burden on parents.
The settlement of arrears to WAEC is expected to strengthen collaboration between government and the examination body while preventing disruptions in future examination processes.
Strengthening Basic Education Financing
Basic education remains the foundation of Ghana’s education system. It is at this level that learners acquire literacy, numeracy, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that shape future academic and professional success.
The President noted that government is undertaking a broader policy shift to rebalance education investment in favour of basic education. Clearing arrears, he said, forms part of efforts to deepen coordination, accountability, and effectiveness within the sector.
Analysts believe the move sends a strong signal of fiscal prioritisation, particularly at a time when school infrastructure expansion and curriculum reforms are also underway.
Part of Wider Education Reforms
The arrears clearance complements other education reforms announced during SONA 2026, including:
- Construction of 600 new classroom blocks nationwide
- Integration of robotics, coding, and artificial intelligence into the basic school curriculum
- Dedicated GETFund support for special needs education
- Expansion of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions
Together, these measures reflect a comprehensive approach aimed at strengthening access, equity, and quality in Ghana’s education system.
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Boosting Confidence in Public Education
Education experts argue that predictable and timely funding is essential for maintaining teacher morale, ensuring smooth examination processes, and safeguarding the credibility of public education.
By clearing both Capitation Grant arrears and BECE registration debts, government aims to restore stability and improve trust among school administrators, teachers, parents, and examination authorities.
The announcement positions basic education financing as a central pillar of the administration’s broader national transformation agenda.
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