President-elect John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to Ghana’s Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy, emphasizing that the program will not only continue under his administration but will also undergo critical reforms to enhance its efficiency.
In an interview with Voice of America (VOA), Mahama dismissed allegations from New Patriotic Party (NPP) officials suggesting he planned to abolish the program, labeling such claims as political propaganda. He assured Ghanaians that the Free SHS policy is “here to stay” and unveiled plans to secure dedicated funding to optimize its implementation.
“There’s a lot of waste in the system. We’re going to help make it more efficient so that teachers, parents, and students get the best out of Free SHS,” Mahama stated. His administration’s focus will be on streamlining the program to better serve students while addressing inefficiencies that have hindered its success.
Beyond secondary education, Mahama highlighted the urgent need to address systemic challenges at the basic education level, which he believes have been overlooked due to the emphasis on Free SHS. He revealed alarming statistics, noting that 1.3 million pupils lack proper furniture, often resorting to sitting on cement blocks or lying on the floor during lessons.
To tackle these issues, Mahama announced plans to convene a National Education Forum, which will bring together key stakeholders to comprehensively evaluate Ghana’s education system and propose sustainable solutions for both basic and secondary education.
The Free SHS program, introduced in 2017 by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has significantly increased access to secondary education, particularly for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. However, challenges such as overcrowding, insufficient infrastructure, and delayed funding have raised concerns.
Mahama’s campaign promise to preserve and reform Free SHS resonated strongly with voters who prioritize both education access and quality. As he prepares to take office, Ghanaians await the implementation of his ambitious vision to ensure the program’s long-term success while addressing pressing issues in the education sector.
Watch the video below.
“Free SHS has come to stay, and it is not going anywhere. Nobody is going to scrap Free SHS” – John Dramani Mahama
Credits : VOA Africa#GraphicOnline pic.twitter.com/svfo2MdCCC
— DailyGraphic GraphicOnline (@Graphicgh) December 15, 2024
