I wish to be described as ‘Education President’ – Nana Akufo-Addo
After introducing the flagship Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy in September 2017, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has said he wished to be described as education president by historians in the future.
“Nothing would give me more honour or more pleasure than if, one day, Ghana’s historians were to describe me as the Education President,” he said speaking at Valley View University after he received his fifth honorary doctorate.
In a social media post sighted by Thisterm.com, His Excellency said “Education has been a cornerstone of my administration’s agenda, best exemplified by the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy launched in 2017.
This bold initiative removed financial barriers, enabling over five million Ghanaian children to pursue secondary education.
Our commitment to education was further reflected in unprecedented budgetary allocations, totalling GH¢12.88 billion, which were used to improve infrastructure, provide teaching and learning materials, and support various educational programs that enhance the quality of education at all levels. These efforts underscored our belief that education is the bedrock of national progress and prosperity.”
About Free SHS policy
The Free SHS (Senior High School) policy is a government initiative in Ghana that aims to provide free secondary education to all students in public senior high schools. The policy was introduced in 2017 by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, led by President Nana Akufo-Addo.
The Free SHS policy has been widely praised for its potential to improve access to education and reduce poverty in Ghana. However, its implementation has also faced some challenges, including funding constraints and infrastructure challenges in some schools.
The key features of the Free SHS policy include:
- Free tuition: The government covers the cost of tuition for all students in public senior high schools.
- Free boarding: The government also covers the cost of boarding for students in boarding schools.
- Free meals: Students in day schools receive a free meal a day, while students in boarding schools receive three free meals a day.
- Free textbooks: The government provides free textbooks to all students.
- Free uniforms: The government provides free uniforms to all students.
The policy aims to:
- Increase access to education: By removing the financial burden of tuition and other costs, the policy aims to increase access to education for all students, especially those from low-income families.
- Improve quality of education: The policy aims to improve the quality of education by providing adequate resources and infrastructure to schools.
- Reduce poverty: By providing free education, the policy aims to reduce poverty and inequality in Ghana.