The Ghana Federation of the Disabled (GFD) has expressed fear that final year students in special schools might miss the opportunity to write the upcoming Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) due to lack funds.
The Federation said failure of the Ministry of Finance to release feeding and utility grants since January has halted teaching and learning activities of the 25 special schools in the country.
Mr. Yaw Ofori-Debrah, President of GFD told Ghana News Agency on Monday that the development does not paint a good picture for the government knowing very well that such schools do not take fees from students.
He said the mainstream schools have reopened for a new term with students briskly studying in preparation towards the BECE due in June, but their counterparts in special schools are still staying at home due to unavailability of funds.
He appealed to the Ministry of Finance to consider the plight of the students and make funds immediately available for the schools to resume academic work.
Special schools in Ghana are faced with financial and logistical challenges with many students cramped into a single classroom while lack of potable water, lighting system, toilet facilities, appropriate desks and specially trained teachers continue to undermine academic work.
Delay in the release of the feeding and utility grants of the students remains problematic while teaching and learning resources continue to pose serious difficulties.
The GFD President called on government to prioritise its educational needs and expenditure patterns giving special attention to students in special schools for full integration into the society.
