Ghana’s Free Senior High School (SHS) policy has reached a remarkable milestone, transforming the lives of 5.7 million young people since its inception in 2017.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo proudly announced this achievement at the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York, highlighting the policy’s profound impact on the nation’s youth.
A Decade of Progress
Launched in 2017, the Free SHS policy has significantly expanded access to secondary education, particularly for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Enrollment has surged from 813,448 in the 2016/17 academic year to 1.3 million by the end of the 2022/23 academic year, marking over 50% increase.
This growth demonstrates the initiative’s success in bridging the academic gap between the rich and poor.
Breaking Down Barriers
The policy has not only increased enrollment but also promoted gender parity.
According to Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the ratio of boys to girls in SHS has improved from 100 boys to 68 girls in 2016 to 100 boys to 106 girls in 2023.
Additionally, females now outnumber males in national and international examinations, such as the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
A Call to Action
President Akufo-Addo emphasized that education is a key driver of development, economic growth, and social mobility.
He urged world leaders to prioritize investments in education, healthcare, and economic development, stressing that these are the foundations of a just and equitable society.
-BY Daniel Bampoe