Presidential hopeful Alan Kyerematen has announced a bold plan to overhaul Ghana’s Free Senior High School (SHS) programme, focusing on long-term sustainability and pathways for students to transition into tertiary education or the workforce.
Speaking at the Presidential Encounters 2024, hosted by the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation on November 22, Mr. Kyerematen praised the Free SHS initiative as a transformative policy but emphasized the need for reform to maximize its impact.
“Free SHS is a great policy, and I doubt any government would discontinue it,” he said. “However, we must ask, ‘After Free SHS, what next?’ Providing free education without clear post-graduation pathways undermines the programme’s full potential.”
A Comprehensive Reform Agenda
Mr. Kyerematen, founder of the Movement of Change, outlined reforms under his Great Transformational Plan (GTP), targeting five critical areas: financial sustainability, infrastructure, curriculum enhancement, teacher capacity building, and graduate transition support.
He stressed the importance of securing sustainable funding to maintain the programme, highlighting infrastructure deficits such as overcrowded classrooms and insufficient dormitories, which he said hamper learning outcomes.
“Where are we going to find the money to sustain this?” he asked, calling for a review of funding sources. Addressing these challenges, he said, would improve the quality of education and create a better learning environment.
Preparing Students for the Future
The aspirant also called for a review of the SHS curriculum, questioning its relevance to the demands of the modern economy.
“We need to ask ourselves: what are we teaching these students? Are we equipping them with the skills they need for the job market?” he said.
Mr. Kyerematen proposed an ambitious apprenticeship and internship programme, requiring all SHS graduates to undergo a one-year hands-on training initiative. This would provide students with artisanal and entrepreneurial skills, helping them align with market demands.
For those interested in entrepreneurship, he pledged government support, including funding, mentorship, and resources to start and grow businesses. He also proposed a “work-and-pay” scheme through which graduates could operate Health Screening Booths, offering essential healthcare services while earning a living.
Supporting Diverse Career Pathways
To further broaden opportunities, Mr. Kyerematen promised to create direct recruitment pathways for graduates interested in careers in national security. Meanwhile, students pursuing higher education would benefit from financial aid, removing barriers to access.
Additionally, the apprenticeship programme would allow graduates to discover and refine their talents during internships, with government support available for those seeking to advance their training or enter full-time employment.
Strengthening Foundations and Driving Digitalization
Mr. Kyerematen also called for greater focus on basic and pre-basic education, describing them as critical to preparing students for success at higher levels. “We talk about Free SHS as if the foundation doesn’t matter. Strengthening basic and pre-basic education is essential,” he said.
As part of his vision, the presidential aspirant unveiled a groundbreaking plan to install 100,000 free satellite internet hotspots nationwide. These hotspots, including in all secondary schools, aim to provide telecom-independent connectivity, benefiting teaching, learning, and digital content creation.
“This initiative will drive a digital revolution, empowering the next generation to thrive in a tech-driven world,” he added.
Transforming Free SHS for Long-Term Impact
Mr. Kyerematen’s proposals seek to transform the Free SHS programme from merely providing access to education into a comprehensive system that prepares students for life after school. His reforms under the GTP aim to tackle sustainability, quality, and outcomes, ensuring that no graduate is left behind.
Source:TheDotNews