The Free SHS Has Come To Stay, We Will Make It Better – John Mahama
- Dec 15, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 14, 2025
Ghana’s President-elect, John Dramani Mahama, has assured citizens that the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy is here to stay. Speaking in an interview with VOA’s Paul Ndiho on Saturday, December 14, Mahama dismissed speculation that the programme would be abolished, calling such claims baseless political propaganda.
“Free SHS is not going anywhere—it has come to stay,” Mahama declared. “Statements suggesting otherwise are nothing but political gimmicks. We will maintain the policy, but we will improve it by ensuring dedicated funding to better resource the programme and address its current challenges.”
Mahama acknowledged weaknesses in the Free SHS system and pledged to make it more efficient, benefiting students, teachers, and parents.
Additionally, he pointed out the neglect of basic education due to the heavy focus on the Free SHS policy. “Our attention has been so fixed on Free SHS that we’ve abandoned the foundation—basic education. Currently, 1.3 million pupils lack basic furniture like tables and chairs. Many sit on cement blocks or lie on mats in their classrooms. This is unacceptable,” he noted.
To address these systemic issues, Mahama announced plans to organize a National Education Forum, bringing together key stakeholders to reexamine the entire education value chain. The forum will aim to build consensus and chart a path toward comprehensive improvements across all levels of education.
Mahama’s vision highlights a balanced approach to education, ensuring that while Free SHS is sustained and strengthened, basic education will no longer be overlooked.
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