In a recent statement, Ghana’s newly elected President, John Dramani Mahama, has assured the nation of his commitment to sustaining the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy.
This reassurance comes in response to fears that he might cancel the program if elected, fears that had been fueled by political opponents during the campaign period.
“Free SHS has come to stay, and it is not going anywhere. Nobody is going to scrap Free SHS. What was said is political talk; it was just political gimmickry,” President Mahama clarified.
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His statement aims to put to rest the concerns that the flagship policy, which provides free education at the secondary level, might be abandoned.
These fears were not unfounded, as during the campaign season, some political figures claimed that Mahama would end the policy if he became president. These claims stirred anxiety among parents and students who rely on Free SHS to access quality education. However, the President has firmly stated that his administration is committed to improving, not abolishing, the program.
“We are going to maintain the policy. What we are going to do is secure dedicated funding for it so that it is better resourced than it is currently,” he emphasized. This shows that, far from canceling Free SHS, his government plans to strengthen it by addressing its challenges.
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The President also highlighted the need to improve the efficiency of the program, saying, “There is a lot of waste in the system, and we are going to help make it more efficient so that the parents, teachers, and students get the best out of Free SHS.”
Introduced in 2017, the Free SHS policy has been a game-changer for Ghana’s education system, offering countless students the opportunity to pursue secondary education without financial barriers. However, it has faced challenges such as funding gaps and operational inefficiencies.
President Mahama’s commitment to addressing these issues shows his intent to ensure the policy serves its purpose effectively.
As Ghana moves forward, this reassurance from the President brings hope to many families who depend on the program. While the political talk during the campaign may have caused doubt, Mahama’s clear stance has reestablished confidence in his leadership and in the future of Free SHS.
With plans to secure funding and improve efficiency, the program looks set to continue empowering students, parents, and teachers alike, cementing its role as a cornerstone of Ghana’s educational development.
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