Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, Ghana’s Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, has passionately reiterated the importance of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy. Speaking at a public forum ahead of the 2024 elections, she delved into personal stories to emphasize how the policy has transformed lives and bridged the educational gap for countless Ghanaians.
In her remarks, Owusu-Ekuful described the challenges her family faced during her childhood, particularly in accessing quality education. She recalled how her mother, a single parent, juggled multiple jobs, including selling charcoal, to support the family. These sacrifices left a deep impression on her and shaped her commitment to ensuring that children across Ghana receive an education without such financial struggles.
“This policy is deeply personal for me,” Owusu-Ekuful stated. “I know what it means for parents to have to choose between putting food on the table and paying school fees. Free SHS means no Ghanaian parent has to face that heartbreaking decision again.”
Introduced in 2017 by the Akufo-Addo-led government, the Free SHS policy has enabled over 1.6 million students to access secondary education at no cost. Owusu-Ekuful highlighted the transformative power of this initiative, particularly for families in rural and underserved communities. She pointed out how it has leveled the playing field, giving every child, regardless of background, a chance to succeed.
She also addressed criticisms of the policy, particularly concerns about funding and infrastructure challenges. While acknowledging the hurdles, Owusu-Ekuful was firm in her belief that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. “Education is the foundation of every prosperous society. The Free SHS policy isn’t perfect, but it is a bold step toward equality and empowerment,” she argued.
As the nation heads into the 2024 elections, the Minister urged Ghanaians to prioritize leadership that invests in the future through education. “The legacy we leave is the opportunities we create. Free SHS is not just a political promise; it’s an investment in our children and our nation,” she concluded, receiving a resounding round of applause.
Her emotional and inspiring message served as a rallying cry, reinforcing the government’s commitment to education as a tool for national development. It also positioned Free SHS as a key talking point for the upcoming elections, with Owusu-Ekuful standing as one of its most vocal advocates.
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