Cabinet has approved the US$331 million STARR-J Project, a major education initiative aimed at improving infrastructure and enhancing the quality of secondary education as part of efforts to strengthen the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme.
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu announced that the project, negotiated by President John Dramani Mahama and the Minister for Finance, will soon 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 initiative follows recommendations from the National Education Forum held in Ho and forms part of the government’s broader reforms to improve the Free SHS policy.
He stressed that while the policy will remain in place, the government has reviewed key areas to address challenges relating to infrastructure, student feeding and quality assurance, while equipping students with skills needed for the modern labour market.
According to the Minister, the STARR-J Project will improve access, quality and relevance in secondary education by supporting 210 Senior High Schools, Senior High Technical Schools and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions across the country.
As part of the project, 112 schools, including 38 TVET institutions, will undergo rehabilitation, while additional dormitories, classrooms and laboratories will be constructed to create a better learning environment.
Iddrisu also announced plans to upgrade 30 Category C schools to Category B status and elevate 20 Category B schools to Category A, a move intended to expand access to quality secondary education.
He further disclosed that beginning in 2027, the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) will provide dedicated funding to support infrastructure development in Category A schools.
The Minister said the STARR-J Project underscores the government’s commitment to making the Free SHS policy more sustainable while ensuring students learn in modern, well-equipped educational facilities.
