Mahama Reaffirms Commitment to Sustain and Improve Free SHS Policy

President John Dramani Mahama has once again emphasized his administration’s commitment to maintaining and improving the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, pledging that it will continue to be a cornerstone of his educational reforms.

In his first public address after being sworn in on January 7, 2024, President Mahama made this statement at the 92nd Annual Jalsa (Convention) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission, held in Pomadze in the Central Region. The event, themed “Justice and Peace; The Essential Ingredient for National Development,” is an important occasion for the Muslim community. President Mahama assured Ghanaians that his government would focus on sustaining and enhancing the Free SHS policy to ensure that the benefits of the program reach its full potential.

During his address, Mahama highlighted education as a key pillar for the nation’s growth and progress. As part of his efforts to enhance Ghana’s educational system, he reiterated his government’s commitment to resolving issues such as overcrowding in schools, the completion of delayed infrastructure projects, and enhancing technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programs. These steps are aimed at improving both the quality of education and the broader learning environment for students across the country.

The President reaffirmed that his administration would continue the Free SHS policy, but also stressed the need to build on its success. “We will address challenges such as overcrowding to ensure quality education at all levels,” Mahama stated, adding that this would be a focus for his government. He also noted that as part of the policy, his administration would extend free tuition to first-year students entering public tertiary institutions, making higher education more accessible to Ghanaian students.

In addition to these measures, President Mahama highlighted the importance of completing abandoned educational projects, particularly the e-blocks, which were initially part of a vision to increase access to education across the country. His government is determined to finalize these projects and ensure that every region has the educational infrastructure it needs to serve its students. He emphasized that providing equitable learning opportunities for students nationwide, from primary to tertiary and TVET institutions, would be a top priority.

A crucial part of President Mahama’s educational vision is the promotion of technical and vocational education. “We shall emphasize technical vocational education and training so that we can produce the skilled manpower that is needed for business and industry,” he remarked, stressing the importance of developing practical skills to meet the growing demands of a modern workforce.

Furthermore, Mahama revealed plans to establish a planning committee to begin work on a National Education Review Conference, an initiative he had promised during his earlier campaigns. This conference will aim to evaluate the education system at all levels—from kindergarten to tertiary institutions—and identify any obstacles that may be impeding the quality of education. “I believe that this conference will come out with new ideas to provide us with the outcomes that we need as a nation,” he said, showing his commitment to ensuring that Ghana’s education system is adaptive and up to date with global standards.

The President’s remarks were supported by Alhaj Maulana Noor Mohammed Bin Salih, the Ameer and Missionary in Charge of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission. He noted that the overwhelming support Ghanaians have shown for Mahama through his election is a clear indication that the people of Ghana are demanding justice, pragmatism, and effective governance. Bin Salih stressed the importance of addressing the needs and rights of the citizens, emphasizing that the country is no longer willing to accept promises that lack substance or fail to deliver tangible results.

President Mahama’s speech outlined several critical initiatives that will shape the future of education in Ghana. His administration is dedicated to not only sustaining the Free SHS policy but also enhancing it, addressing key challenges such as overcrowding, and ensuring that educational opportunities are equitable and accessible to all. Through the completion of infrastructure projects, increased emphasis on TVET, and a review of the national education system, Mahama aims to equip the youth with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the global economy.