In a recent interview with Voice of America, President-elect John Dramani Mahama took a firm stance regarding Ghana’s Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy, emphasizing his steadfast commitment to its continuation.
Amidst a backdrop of political tension and heated campaigning, Mahama sought to dispel rumors circulated by officials from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) regarding potential plans to abolish the initiative.
Labeling these allegations as mere “political propaganda,” Mahama made it abundantly clear, “Free SHS has come to stay, and it is not going anywhere.” He reassured the public, stating, “Nobody is going to scrap Free SHS. What was said was political talk and gimmickry.” His administration aims not only to maintain the program but also to secure dedicated funding to enhance its effectiveness.
The Free SHS policy, initiated by the Akufo-Addo government in 2017, has significantly expanded access to secondary education, particularly benefiting students from less privileged backgrounds. However, it has not been without its challenges. Issues such as overcrowding, insufficient infrastructure, and delays in funding have raised concerns about the quality of education provided.
Acknowledging these hurdles, Mahama pledged to address them head-on. He plans to create a reliable funding mechanism designed to ensure sustainability and improve the educational experience for all students. This promise struck a chord with voters during the campaign, contributing to his decisive electoral victory on December 7. According to the Electoral Commission, Mahama received 6,328,397 votes, amounting to 56.55% of those cast, while his nearest rival, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, garnered 4,657,304 votes, or 41.61%.
This election signifies Mahama’s return to power, having previously served as Ghana’s president from 2012 to 2017. Throughout his campaign, he focused on critical themes, including economic recovery, anti-corruption measures, and the strengthening of essential social programs like education and healthcare.
As the election drew near, the Free SHS policy emerged as a hot-button issue, with the NPP warning that Mahama might dismantle it if he won. However, his firm reassurances were designed to quell any concerns from anxious parents and students regarding the policy’s future.
With determination, Mahama expressed his vision for the program: “We will work to make Free SHS better, more efficient, and sustainable for future generations.”
His commitment to collaborating with stakeholders in the education sector was evident as he outlined a roadmap for refining the program while preserving its vital benefits for students across Ghana.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
