President-elect John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed that Ghana’s Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy will remain in place under his administration, rejecting claims that his government would abolish the programme.

In an interview with Voice of America (VOA), Mahama dismissed allegations made by some New Patriotic Party (NPP) officials during the election campaign, which suggested that his administration would scrap the initiative. “Free SHS has come to stay, and it is not going anywhere,” he said. “What was said was political talk and gimmickry. We are going to maintain it and secure dedicated funding for its continuation.”

The Free SHS programme, introduced in 2017 under President Akufo-Addo, provides free tuition, boarding, and meals to students in public senior high schools. The policy has expanded access to secondary education, particularly for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

However, it has faced challenges, including overcrowded classrooms, inadequate infrastructure, and delays in funding, which have affected its effectiveness. Mahama’s administration plans to address these issues by securing a reliable funding mechanism and improving the quality of education under the programme.

Mahama’s strong stance on Free SHS was a key feature of his campaign, resonating with many Ghanaians concerned about education access. His decisive victory in the December 7 elections, where he secured 56.55% of the vote, further reinforced his commitment to the policy.

With the Electoral Commission officially declaring him the winner, Mahama is set to return to office after previously serving as president from 2012 to 2017. His administration will focus on economic recovery, tackling corruption, and enhancing social programmes, including education and healthcare.

While the Free SHS policy remains a contentious issue, Mahama has pledged to work with education stakeholders to review and refine its implementation, ensuring its long-term sustainability.

Source:TheDotNews