Free SHS/TVET Costs About GHC9k Per Student – NEIP CEO
The Chief Executive Officer of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), Kofi Ofosu Nkansah, has disclosed that the cost of educating a student under Ghana's Free Senior High School (Free SHS) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs amounts to approximately GHC9,000 per year. He made this revelation during an interview on a local radio station on Tuesday while discussing the financial implications and sustainability of the government’s flagship education initiative.
According to Nkansah, the Free SHS and TVET policies, which have provided education to hundreds of thousands of students across the country, have significantly reduced the financial burden on parents, allowing children from all backgrounds to access secondary and vocational education without cost. He emphasized that while the policy has been beneficial to families, the financial commitment from the government is considerable.
"The average cost per student under the Free SHS/TVET program is around GHC9,000 annually. This covers tuition, feeding, learning materials, and other associated costs. It is a substantial investment that the government is making in the future of our youth," Nkansah stated.
He also pointed out that the program has not only opened the door to higher education for many students who would otherwise have struggled financially but has also contributed to the growing interest in vocational training, which is essential for building a skilled workforce.
Despite the success of the initiative, Nkansah acknowledged some challenges, particularly regarding funding. The CEO noted that with rising enrollment numbers, the financial strain on the government has increased, making it imperative to explore sustainable financing options.
“The cost of running Free SHS and TVET is high, but it is a necessary investment in our human capital. The future economic growth of our country depends on a well-educated and skilled workforce,” he said, adding that the government is constantly exploring ways to ensure the program's long-term sustainability.
In response to critics who have questioned the quality of education under Free SHS, Nkansah stressed that the government is committed to improving educational standards and infrastructure. He highlighted ongoing efforts to expand facilities and recruit more qualified teachers to meet the growing demand.
The Free SHS and TVET programs, introduced in 2017, have been at the center of national discourse, with widespread support but also concerns about sustainability, funding, and quality assurance.
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