We have attained gender parity in the ‘Free’ SHS enrollment – MoE

Amid the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) implementation, Ghana has attained gender parity in Senior High School enrollment surpassing many other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Minister for Education, Dr Adutwum has said.

“A comparative analysis reveals that Ghana’s progress in gender equality in education is commendable, with equal opportunities provided to both male and female students.

This achievement is a testament to the government’s commitment to promoting gender equality and empowering girls through education,” the Member of Parliament for the Bosomtwe constituency stated speaking to journalists.

Commenting on the quality of the Free Senior High School programme, the Education Minister said despite the increase in student enrollment, the central government has remained committed to upholding high educational standards.

Adutwum said the flagship Free SHS policy together with targeted interventions to improve teaching and learning outcomes, has ensured students continue to receive quality education that will prepare them for success in the future.

He noted that the years 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 (Free SHS graduates) were the only ones in the past nine years in which more than 50% of candidates obtained A1-C6 in all Core Subjects, with the 2023 results being the best in the nine years.

“Note that in the 2022 and 2023 year groups, more than 60% of candidates obtained A1-C6 in all Core Subjects. A1-C6 are the grades that are required for a student to qualify for admission into a tertiary institution in Ghana,” Osei Yaw said.

In 2023, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum said candidates who sat for the WASSCE for School obtained 73.11% pass in English Language, 66.82% pass in Integrated Science, 62.23% pass in Mathematics, and 76.76% pass in Social Studies.

In 2022, candidates achieved 60.39% in English Language, 62.45% in Integrated Science, 61.39% in Mathematics, and 71.51% in Social Studies

In 2015, candidates obtained 45.2% in English Language, 28.7% in Integrated Science, 32.4% in Mathematics and 57.4% in Social Studies,” he noted.

The Minister in Charge of Education added that in 2016, candidates obtained 51.6% in English Language, 48.35% in Integrated Science, 33.12% in Mathematics and 54.55% in Social Studies.