Cabinet approves US$331m STARR-J project to strengthen Free SHS ahead of Parliament’s review

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has announced that Cabinet has approved a US$331 million STARR-J Project negotiated by President John Dramani Mahama and the Minister for Finance to improve infrastructure and enhance the quality of secondary education across the country.

The project is expected to be presented to Parliament for consideration.

Speaking at the Government Accountability Series at the Jubilee House in Accra on Monday, July 20, 2026, Iddrisu said the project forms part of the government's commitment to strengthening the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy following the National Education Forum held in Ho.

He said although the Free SHS policy will remain in place, the government has reviewed aspects of the programme to address key challenges, including infrastructure gaps, student feeding and quality assurance, while preparing students for the competitive labour market.

The Minister explained that the STARR-J Project will improve access, quality and relevance in secondary education by benefiting 210 Senior High Schools, Senior High Technical Schools, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions across Ghana.

He said 112 schools, including 38 TVET institutions, will be rehabilitated under the project, while new dormitories, classrooms and laboratories will be constructed to improve teaching and learning.

Iddrisu added that the government also plans to upgrade 30 Category C schools to Category B and convert 20 Category B schools into Category A institutions to expand access to quality secondary education.

He further disclosed that from 2027, the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) will provide dedicated funding to support infrastructure expansion in Category A schools.

According to the Minister, the STARR-J Project reflects the government's commitment to making the Free SHS policy more sustainable and ensuring that students have access to quality education in modern learning environments.