The government has made significant strides in improving the education sector over the years. One key initiative has been the implementation of the Free Senior High School (SHS), and the Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) policies, which have made senior secondary and TVET freely accessible to all students.
These policies have helped increase enrollment rates and reduced financial barriers for many families.
According to the Ministry of Education, following the implementation of Free SHS, senior secondary education enrollment increased from 800,000 in 2016 to 1.4 million, current data shows.
Also, prior to the implementation of Free SHS, the data suggested gender imbalance in admission, but now, more girls have gained admission and there is gender parity, according to the Ministry of Education.
In addition to its focus on expanding access, the government is also enhancing the quality of education by investing in teacher training programmes, curriculum development, and infrastructure improvements.
The Ministry of Education points to the high pass rate among SHS students in WASSCE, the number of classrooms and dormitories that have been built across schools, as well as investment in technology in secondary schools are examples of how the government has prioritised quality and investment in educational facilities.
By prioritising education, Ghana has been able to address challenges such as teacher shortages, inadequate resources, and low retention rates.
Furthermore, efforts have been made to promote technical and vocational education to equip students with practical skills for the workforce. Initiatives like the National Apprenticeship Programme have provided opportunities for hands-on training in various trades.
In an interview with a teacher at Koforidua Senior High Technical School, who gave his name as Teacher James, he agreed that the Free SHS initiative has been a game-changer.
“The Free SHS has given the opportunity to a lot of brilliant students who are from poor background to be able to further their studies,” he said.
A parent recalled how it was financially challenging for her to take care of her child, prior to the implementation of Free SHS.
“Before, I had to buy text books for my elderly son when in school but now text books are free I didn’t even buy a single text book for my daughter and that is a huge benefit to me and my family,” said Aunty Ama, a trader at Adenta market.
The views of Teacher James and Aunty Ama are popular among teachers and parents following the positive impact of Free SHS, especially for parents who are less privileged.
Education on experts have also praised the policy and commended the government.
Although the government has improved the educational sector, it has also experienced some challenges such as overcrowding and inadequate facilities in some schools, especially in the early days of the Free SHS policy.
Many of these challenges have been addressed by the government by constructing additional boarding houses, classrooms, laboratories.
Overall, through these initiatives and investments, the government of Ghana has demonstrated a commitment to improving access to quality education and preparing students for a competitive global environment.
By Adisa Mohammed Aminu, (Level 300, GIJ)