Ghana secures $80m education boost through landmark partnership with SCALE consortium

Ghana's education sector is about to undergo a major transformation. The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, signed a new partnership agreement. This agreement brings in US$80 million to improve foundational learning and school quality.

The signing took place at the Swiss Embassy in Accra on May 28. It involves the System Change Architecture for Learning Excellence (SCALE) consortium. This group includes three major philanthropic organizations, ten cocoa and chocolate industry leaders, and the Global Partnership for Education (GPE).

SCALE raised US$40 million, matched by GPE’s Multiplier Fund. This totals US$80 million aimed at enhancing literacy, numeracy, teacher training, and student wellbeing. An additional US$38.8 million in grants raises total funding for GALOP to US$118.8 million.

Minister Iddrisu called this a crucial opportunity for education in Ghana. He noted that SCALE builds on successes from GALOP and is cause for celebration.

SCALE aims to transform education delivery and measurement in Ghana. It focuses on child-centered learning and evidence-based interventions. The funding will expand GALOP’s reach from 10,000 to 16,000 schools and benefit over 14,700 kindergartens.

The initiative will also create the Ghana Education Evidence and Data Lab (GEEDLab). This lab will help improve decision-making within the Ministry of Education.

The funding specifically targets cocoa-growing regions where child labor is an issue. Research shows that quality education can reduce child labor rates significantly. SCALE’s Communities of Excellence program will empower local districts to shape educational outcomes actively.

The SCALE consortium includes philanthropic leaders like Jacobs Foundation and UBS Optimus Foundation. Major industry partners include Nestlé, Mars, Ferrero, and Mondelez. The initiative builds on successful models like Côte d’Ivoire’s Child Learning and Education Facility (CLEF).

Simon Sommer from Jacobs Foundation stated that SCALE provides both funding and expertise for educational transformation. He expects over 2 million children in cocoa districts to benefit from this initiative.

Tom Hall from UBS Optimus Foundation highlighted how collaborative giving can create significant impact through partnerships. Andrea Studer from Fondation Botnar stressed that education should foster empathy, resilience, and critical thinking alongside academics.

At a time when international aid for education is declining, Ghana's model stands out as innovative. With a global education funding gap of US$100 billion, SCALE shows how public-private partnerships can fill these gaps effectively.

About SCALE:
SCALE (System Change Architecture for Learning Excellence) is a multistakeholder initiative designed with Ghana’s Ministry of Education to transform educational systems with support from leading foundations and companies.

About GALOP:
GALOP is the Ministry of Education's flagship program aimed at improving learning outcomes in underperforming basic schools across Ghana since 2020.