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President-elect John Dramani Mahama has vowed to uphold Ghana’s Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy, countering claims that his administration intends to abolish it. Speaking in an interview with Voice of America (VOA), Mahama dismissed these assertions as baseless political propaganda propagated by New Patriotic Party (NPP) officials during the campaign.
“Free SHS has come to stay, and it is not going anywhere,” Mahama affirmed. “Nobody is going to scrap Free SHS. What was said was political talk and gimmickry. We are going to maintain it. What we are going to do is get dedicated funding for it.”
Introduced in 2017 by the Akufo-Addo administration, the Free SHS programme ensures free tuition, boarding, and meals for students in public senior high schools. The policy has expanded access to education, particularly benefiting students from underprivileged backgrounds.
However, the initiative has faced challenges, including overcrowded classrooms, inadequate infrastructure, and delays in the release of funds, impacting its overall quality.
Mahama’s administration plans to retain the programme’s benefits while addressing its challenges. Central to his approach is the establishment of a dedicated funding mechanism to ensure the scheme’s sustainability and improve the quality of education provided.
Mahama’s commitment to Free SHS was a cornerstone of his campaign, resonating with many Ghanaians concerned about education access. His decisive victory in the December 7 elections saw him secure 6,328,397 votes (56.55%) compared to 4,657,304 votes (41.61%) for his main opponent, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the NPP.
This marks Mahama’s return to the presidency, having previously served from 2012 to 2017. His campaign focused on economic recovery, addressing corruption, and enhancing social programmes such as education and healthcare.
During the elections, the NPP warned that Mahama would dismantle the Free SHS programme if elected. His firm rebuttal aims to reassure parents, students, and other stakeholders about his dedication to preserving and improving the policy.
Mahama has pledged to work closely with education stakeholders to refine the programme, ensuring it becomes more sustainable and efficiently implemented, benefiting future generations of Ghanaian students.
