In his confirmation vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, February 24, 2025, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, the Deputy Minister-Designate for Finance, reaffirmed his strong commitment to the continuation of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy.
Mr. Nyarko Ampem assured the committee that there were no plans to cancel the program and pledged to work diligently with Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson to secure the necessary funding for its implementation.
Mr.Nyarko Ampem, who represents the Asuogyaman constituency, emphasized that his concerns regarding Free SHS do not revolve around funding but rather the effectiveness of its implementation. “There is no subtle intention to cancel Free SHS,” he said. “I will support my minister to ensure adequate funding for education. If the outcome of the ongoing education forum leads to a consensus direction that becomes government policy, I will support it wholeheartedly.”
He also referenced President Mahama’s firm stance that Free SHS would not be canceled, citing Mahama as a man of his word. “President Mahama gave Ghanaians the indication that he would not cancel Free SHS, and I stand by that commitment,” Nyarko Ampem affirmed.
His statements came as the National Education Forum, a key event gathering over 300 stakeholders in the education sector, continues in Ho, Volta Region. With the theme “Transforming education for a sustainable future,” the forum provides a platform for education experts and leaders to discuss pressing challenges and propose solutions to ensure the long-term viability of the sector.
Source:TheDotNews