A Renewed Commitment to Free SHS
President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy while pledging to improve its implementation. The policy, initially introduced by the Akufo-Addo administration in 2017, has been a cornerstone of Ghana’s educational reforms but has faced significant challenges, particularly regarding infrastructure and food supply.
During his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) of his second term on Thursday, February 27, 2025, President Mahama assured Ghanaians that the Free SHS program would not be canceled but rather enhanced to address its shortcomings.
“Free SHS Will Not Be Canceled”
In his address, President Mahama made a firm declaration: “I, President John Dramani Mahama, the President of the Republic of Ghana, will not cancel the Free SHS program. I’m determined to make it better by improving its implementation.”
This statement comes as a relief to many Ghanaians who have benefited from the policy but have also witnessed its challenges, including overcrowded classrooms, inadequate teaching materials, and delays in food supplies to schools.
Addressing Challenges in Implementation
The Free SHS policy has been lauded for increasing access to secondary education, particularly for students from low-income families. However, its implementation has been marred by logistical and infrastructural challenges.
President Mahama acknowledged these issues and outlined plans to address them, including:
- Infrastructure Development: Expanding school facilities to accommodate the growing number of students.
- Improved Logistics: Ensuring timely delivery of food and teaching materials to schools.
- Teacher Training: Enhancing the capacity of educators to deliver quality education under the policy.
By focusing on these areas, Mahama aims to strengthen the policy and ensure it delivers on its promise of equitable access to quality education.