President-elect John Dramani Mahama has firmly assured Ghanaians of his commitment to the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy, rejecting claims that his administration would abolish the programme. Speaking in an interview with Voice of America (VOA), Mahama dismissed such assertions as mere political propaganda propagated by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) during the recent election campaign.
Mahama emphasized that the Free SHS policy is a crucial part of Ghana’s educational framework and pledged to maintain it while addressing its challenges. “Free SHS has come to stay, and it is not going anywhere,” he stated. “Nobody is going to scrap Free SHS. What was said was political talk and gimmickry. We are going to maintain it. What we are going to do is get dedicated funding for it.”
The Free SHS Programme and Its Challenges
Introduced in 2017 under the Akufo-Addo administration, the Free SHS policy provides free tuition, boarding, and meals for students in public senior high schools across Ghana. The initiative has enabled countless young Ghanaians, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, to access secondary education. However, the programme has faced significant hurdles, including overcrowded classrooms, inadequate infrastructure, and delays in releasing funds to schools. These challenges have raised concerns about the sustainability and quality of education provided under the scheme.
Mahama’s stance reflects a balanced approach to preserving the policy’s benefits while improving its implementation. He highlighted the importance of establishing a dedicated funding mechanism to ease the financial strain on the government and ensure the programme’s sustainability. His vision also includes collaborating with education stakeholders to review and refine the policy for efficient and effective execution.
A Decisive Electoral Victory
The President-elect’s commitment to the Free SHS policy resonated with many voters during the campaign, particularly parents and students who have benefited from the initiative. Mahama’s victory in the December 7, 2024, elections was emphatic, marking his return to the presidency after serving as Ghana’s leader from 2012 to 2017.
According to the Electoral Commission, Mahama secured 6,328,397 votes, representing 56.55% of the valid votes cast, defeating his closest rival, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the NPP, who garnered 4,657,304 votes, or 41.61%. Mahama’s campaign focused on themes of economic recovery, tackling corruption, and enhancing social programmes such as education and healthcare. His reassurance regarding the Free SHS policy played a pivotal role in countering the NPP’s claims that he would dismantle the initiative if elected.
Political Propaganda and Reassurance
The Free SHS policy became a contentious topic during the election period, with NPP officials accusing Mahama of intending to abolish the programme. These accusations were a central part of the NPP’s campaign narrative, aimed at swaying public opinion against the former president. However, Mahama’s firm rebuttal has reassured Ghanaians, especially those directly benefiting from the policy.
He has pledged to work with education stakeholders, including school administrators, teachers, and parents, to identify and resolve the challenges facing the Free SHS policy. This collaborative approach aims to improve infrastructure, address overcrowding, and ensure timely disbursement of funds to schools. By doing so, Mahama seeks to build a more robust and sustainable framework for the programme, ensuring its continued success.
Securing the Future of Education
Mahama’s plans for the Free SHS policy reflect his broader vision for Ghana’s educational system, which emphasizes inclusivity, equity, and quality. He has identified education as a cornerstone of national development and pledged to prioritize investments in the sector. By addressing the challenges of the Free SHS policy, Mahama aims to create an environment where every Ghanaian child has access to quality education, regardless of their socio-economic background.
The President-elect has also underscored the importance of sustainable funding for the policy. This includes exploring innovative financing mechanisms and ensuring that education remains a top priority in the national budget. Mahama’s commitment to the Free SHS policy is part of a broader agenda to improve access to education, enhance its quality, and prepare Ghana’s youth for the challenges of the future.
Looking Ahead
As Mahama prepares to take office, his administration faces the task of building on the successes of the Free SHS policy while addressing its shortcomings. The President-elect’s assurance that the programme will remain intact has provided a sense of relief to parents, students, and education advocates across the country. His focus on sustainable funding and stakeholder collaboration offers a promising path forward for Ghana’s educational system.
Mahama’s victory and his stance on the Free SHS policy signal a renewed focus on education as a driver of national development. By prioritizing the needs of Ghana’s youth and addressing the challenges of the programme, his administration has the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy in the country’s educational landscape. As the nation looks ahead, the commitment to education remains a unifying and critical goal for Ghana’s future prosperity.
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