Ferdinand | Education Ghana | March 2 | Schools Under Trees to End? Mahama Announces 600 New Classroom Blocks Nationwide
President John Dramani Mahama announces construction of 600 new classroom blocks in 2026 to eliminate schools under trees and improve basic education infrastructure across Ghana.
By Education Desk
President has announced a major infrastructure intervention aimed at eliminating the long-standing problem of “schools under trees” across Ghana.
Speaking during the 2026 State of the Nation Address in Parliament on Friday, February 27, 2026, the President revealed that government has programmed the construction of 600 new classroom blocks nationwide in the 2026 financial year.
200 KG, 200 Primary and 200 JHS Blocks
The intervention will include:
- 200 Kindergarten blocks
- 200 Primary school blocks
- 200 Junior High School blocks
According to President Mahama, the initiative forms part of a broader policy shift to rebalance education investment in favour of basic education, which he described as the foundation of national development.
For years, sections of rural Ghana have struggled with inadequate classroom infrastructure, with pupils in some communities studying in makeshift structures or under trees. The situation has often been cited as a barrier to quality learning, particularly during the rainy season.
Improving Learning Conditions
Education analysts note that inadequate infrastructure affects attendance, teacher morale, and learning outcomes. The new classroom blocks are expected to provide safer, more conducive environments for teaching and learning.
The President indicated that addressing infrastructure gaps is essential to ensuring that foundational literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking skills are properly developed at the basic level.
The construction programme will be implemented alongside other reforms, including curriculum modernization and enhanced funding for basic schools.
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In addition to infrastructure expansion, President Mahama confirmed that government has fully cleared all outstanding Capitation Grant arrears owed to public basic schools. He also announced that all outstanding BECE registration subsidies due to the have been settled. These measures, according to government, are intended to restore financial stability and strengthen public confidence in the basic education system. The classroom construction initiative forms part of a comprehensive education reform agenda outlined in SONA 2026, which also includes: Observers say eliminating schools under trees would represent a significant milestone in Ghana’s education development, particularly in underserved rural and peri-urban communities. While previous administrations have made efforts to reduce the number of schools operating in temporary structures, infrastructure deficits persist in some districts. The 600-classroom intervention signals renewed government commitment to addressing these disparities and improving equitable access to quality education. Further details on project timelines, procurement processes, and regional distribution are expected to be announced in the 2026 budget implementation framework.
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Part of Broader Education Transformation
Closing the Infrastructure Gap
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