Unequal School Funding Deepens Rural–Urban Gap — Eduwatch

Education policy group Africa Education Watch (Eduwatch) has raised concerns about unfair distribution of education infrastructure funds through the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), warning that it is widening the gap between rural and urban schools. In a policy brief released on May 2, 2026, Eduwatch said poor infrastructure remains a major barrier to access and progression in basic education, especially in rural communities. The report revealed that in some parts of northern Ghana, up to 60% of primary schools do not have attached Junior High Schools (JHS). This makes it difficult for pupils to move to the next level and contributes to high dropout rates. Although the DACF was introduced to support infrastructure development through decentralised funding, Eduwatch argues that the current allocation model does not prioritise districts with the greatest needs. According to the group, this mismatch between funding and actual infrastructure deficits is worsening shortages of JHS facilities in deprived areas. Eduwatch warns that the situation is affecting access to education, student retention, and overall equity, particularly in northern regions where infrastructure challenges remain severe. The organisation is calling on the Ministry of Education Ghana and the Ministry of Local Government Ghana to review the funding formula. It recommends introducing a needs-based allocation system that directs more resources to districts with the most serious infrastructure gaps, arguing that such reforms will help improve school access, boost transition rates from primary to JHS, and reduce dropout levels in rural communities.