Accra, Ghana – In his maiden State of the Nation Address, President John Dramani Mahama assured Ghanaians that his administration would not cancel the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy but instead focus on expanding educational infrastructure and programs.
Addressing Parliament, President Mahama emphasized his commitment to ensuring quality education for all Ghanaian students.
He acknowledged challenges in the education sector, particularly the double-track system, which was introduced to accommodate the growing number of students benefiting from Free SHS.
“I will not cancel the free education,” the President stated firmly. “We will expand schools to eliminate the double-track system. We will expand programs across all levels of education.”
The double-track system, introduced to address infrastructure deficits, has faced criticism from some stakeholders who argue that it affects the quality of education and puts pressure on both students and teachers. President Mahama assured Ghanaians that his government would work towards phasing it out by constructing more schools and expanding existing facilities to accommodate the increasing student population.
Beyond secondary education, the President also highlighted plans to strengthen programs at the primary, tertiary, and technical education levels. His administration, he said, would invest in vocational and technical education to equip students with practical skills for the job market.
The address comes amid growing public debate over the future of Free SHS, a flagship policy that has significantly increased enrollment but also presented logistical challenges. With this commitment, President Mahama seeks to balance accessibility with quality, ensuring that every Ghanaian child has the opportunity to receive a sound education.
The government is expected to outline specific plans and funding strategies in the coming months to support these ambitious educational reforms.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Gumedzo Isaac Acheampong
