John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has strongly defended his proposal to abolish the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) Secretariat. The former president emphasized the need for restructuring the administration of the flagship policy to curb corruption and improve efficiency. His comments came during an exclusive interview with the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) on November 29, 2024.
Mahama highlighted the current challenges plaguing the Free SHS Secretariat, which he believes has become a breeding ground for inefficiency and corruption. He argued that the policy’s administration needs a more established institutional framework to maximize its benefits for students, parents, and the nation as a whole.
Speaking passionately on the matter, Mahama reiterated that if given the mandate in the upcoming elections, he would transfer the management of the Free SHS programme to the Ghana Education Service (GES). This decision, he explained, would eliminate the duplication of roles and ensure that the programme operates under a single, competent authority with a clear mandate.
According to Mahama, the GES is better equipped to oversee the programme because of its experience in managing the country’s educational system. "The GES has the mandate and authority to supervise the educational sector, so I don’t see why you would have a stand-alone Free SHS Secretariat. And I hear the rot and corruption that are going on there," Mahama said during the interview.
The Free SHS policy, introduced under the current administration of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has been a transformative initiative aimed at providing free secondary education to Ghanaian students. While the policy has received praise for its impact on education access, critics have pointed out its implementation challenges, particularly in terms of funding, infrastructure, and quality assurance.
Mahama stressed the importance of addressing these lapses to ensure the sustainability of the programme. He revealed that his administration would work closely with stakeholders in the education sector to conduct a comprehensive review of the policy and identify areas for improvement.
"We all need to sit and look at what the lapses are and see how we can cure those lapses going forward. We want to cut waste; this government is very good at duplicating and creating new offices just to create jobs for the boys," Mahama said, criticizing the ruling government’s approach to managing state resources.
One of the key issues Mahama raised was the alleged mismanagement and corruption at the Free SHS Secretariat. He argued that the existence of a separate body to oversee the policy creates opportunities for inefficiency and misuse of funds. By integrating the programme into the GES, Mahama believes there will be better oversight and accountability, ultimately benefiting the students who rely on the policy for their education.
He further elaborated on his vision, noting that senior high school coordinators would still play their roles under the new arrangement but would report directly to the GES. This, he said, would streamline the administrative process and reduce unnecessary bureaucratic bottlenecks.
The former president also took the opportunity to highlight the broader challenges facing Ghana’s educational system. He pointed to the need for significant investments in infrastructure, teacher training, and curriculum development to ensure that the country’s youth receive a world-class education.
Mahama’s proposal has sparked mixed reactions among Ghanaians. While some have praised his bold stance on addressing corruption and inefficiency, others have raised concerns about the potential disruption such a restructuring could cause. However, Mahama assured the public that his administration would prioritize a smooth transition to minimize any negative impact on students and schools.
Education has been a key battleground in Ghana’s political landscape, with successive governments introducing various policies to improve access and quality. The Free SHS policy remains one of the most significant initiatives in recent years, and its future will undoubtedly be a major topic of debate in the upcoming elections.
Mahama concluded his remarks by calling on Ghanaians to critically assess the performance of the current government and consider the NDC’s vision for education and national development. He urged voters to support his bid for the presidency, promising to bring transformative change to the country’s education sector and beyond.
"The time has come for us to take bold steps to fix the problems in our education system. We owe it to the next generation to provide them with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world," Mahama said.
As the 2024 elections approach, the debate over the future of the Free SHS policy is likely to intensify, with stakeholders from various sectors weighing in on the issue. Whether Mahama’s proposed reforms will resonate with the electorate remains to be seen, but his comments have certainly added a new dimension to the ongoing conversation about education in Ghana.
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