The Government of Ghana has secured $300 million in financing from the World Bank to support the Secondary Education Transformation for Access, Relevance, and Results for Jobs (STARR-J) Project, a major initiative designed to improve access to quality secondary education and equip young people with skills needed for future employment opportunities.
The project, implemented by Ghana’s Ministry of Education, will focus on expanding educational infrastructure through the construction of new schools and the rehabilitation and modernization of existing facilities. The initiative aims to address increasing demand for secondary education while improving learning conditions for students across the country.
A key component of the STARR-J project is the enhancement of educational quality. The program will strengthen teaching and learning in core academic subjects, expand digital literacy and technology-based learning opportunities, and align educational programs more closely with labor market requirements. These reforms are intended to prepare students for both higher education and the evolving demands of the modern workforce.
The World Bank estimates that approximately 2.2 million students, including learners with disabilities, will benefit from the initiative across nearly 1,000 public secondary schools. Special attention will be given to underserved rural communities and rapidly growing peri-urban areas where educational infrastructure remains insufficient to meet rising enrollment levels.
Ghana has made significant progress in expanding educational access over the past decade. Since the introduction of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy in 2017, secondary school enrollment has increased substantially. The government has also expanded Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs to provide practical skills and improve employment outcomes for young people.
Further efforts to increase educational access were introduced in 2025 through the “No Fees Stress” initiative, which waives tuition fees for first-year students attending public higher education institutions. These measures reflect Ghana’s broader commitment to strengthening human capital development and increasing opportunities for youth.
Despite these achievements, the education sector continues to face challenges, including overcrowded classrooms, infrastructure shortages, limited teaching resources, and insufficient numbers of qualified teachers. Rising enrollment has placed additional pressure on schools, making investments in facilities, teacher support, and educational quality increasingly important.
The STARR-J project is expected to help address these challenges by expanding school capacity, improving learning outcomes, enhancing digital education, and strengthening the connection between education and employment. By investing in secondary education, Ghana aims to build a more skilled workforce, improve economic competitiveness, and support long-term national development.
