President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has firmly asserted that the implementation of the Free Senior High School (SHS) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs has been an undeniable success, with no room for dispute.
In his State of the Nation address on Friday, January 3, 2025, the President proudly emphasized the Free Senior High School initiative as a key achievement, despite the ongoing concerns about the harmful impacts of galamsey.
“If arguments still rage over what there is to show for the fight against Galamsey and the effects of irresponsible mining, there can be no such arguments about the introduction of the Free SHS and Free TVET programs,” he said.
He highlighted that the Free SHS and TVET programs have revolutionized Ghana’s education system, granting secondary education access to over 5.7 million young people.
“We have transformed education, and there can never be a reversal of the fact that some 5.7 million young people have gained access to secondary education who would otherwise not have had the opportunity but for Free SHS and Free TVET,” President Akuffo Addo said.
President Akufo-Addo took pride in his administration’s boldness in implementing the Free SHS policy, despite facing initial resistance. “I am proud that we were brave enough to start the Free SHS policy at the beginning of my first term and resisted the calls for a gradual introduction,” he said.
The President also underscored the notable improvement in pass rates for core subjects, referencing the 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results. “Since 2020, when the first cohort of Free SHS students took the WASSCE, Ghana has consistently seen over 50% of candidates achieve scores of A1 to C6 in all four core subjects,” he stated.
The President’s focus on education aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 4, which promotes inclusive and equitable quality education for all. Ghana’s progress in this area stands as a model for other nations, showcasing how transformative education policies can lead to positive change.
As President Akufo-Addo approaches the end of his term, his administration’s legacy in education is clear. The Free SHS and TVET programs have broadened access to education, raised its quality, and improved the employability of Ghana’s youth. These initiatives are set to continue shaping the country’s education landscape for years to come.
