Mahama Doesn’t Believe in Free SHS; He’ll Collapse It – Oppong Nkrumah
In recent remarks that have sparked significant political debate, Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah expressed concerns that former President John Dramani Mahama does not support the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy and may ultimately work to dismantle it if elected back into office. According to Oppong Nkrumah, Mahama’s criticisms of the policy signal an intent to reverse the progress made under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, which introduced the Free SHS program in 2017 under President Nana Akufo-Addo.
Free SHS, a flagship policy of the NPP, was implemented to provide all eligible students in Ghana free access to senior high school education. This initiative aimed to eliminate the financial barrier to secondary education and make it accessible to families nationwide. The policy has reportedly benefited over 1.6 million students since its inception, reducing the dropout rate significantly and giving students from underprivileged backgrounds a chance at higher education.
Oppong Nkrumah stated that Mahama has repeatedly criticized Free SHS, raising questions about his commitment to the program if given another term in office. The Information Minister argued that Mahama’s stance on the policy reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of the program’s purpose and impact, particularly on Ghanaian families who could not previously afford high school education for their children.
Oppong Nkrumah further highlighted that the opposition, led by Mahama, has consistently voiced concerns over the sustainability of the Free SHS policy, questioning the government’s capacity to fund it without compromising other areas of public spending. The Information Minister, however, emphasized that the NPP is committed to ensuring that every Ghanaian child has equal access to education regardless of socioeconomic status.
The Free SHS policy remains a key issue in Ghana’s political landscape, and its future has become a divisive topic as the country heads toward its next election. Supporters of the policy argue that it has democratized education and empowered the youth, laying a foundation for a more prosperous Ghana. Critics, on the other hand, warn of potential financial strain on the national budget and suggest that a re-evaluation of the policy’s financing might be necessary.
In his address, Oppong Nkrumah urged Ghanaians to scrutinize Mahama’s record on Free SHS and to remember the NDC’s prior stance against the policy. According to him, only the NPP has shown unwavering commitment to education access for all, while the opposition threatens to derail what he sees as a transformative agenda for the nation.
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