It has emerged that the five regions in the Northern sector of Ghana are leading in the enrolment of the Akufo-Addo-led government flagship programme, the Free Senior High School since it was introduced in 2017.
The Minister of Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, announced this when he shared the resounding success of Ghana’s Free Senior High School (SHS) policy for the 2023/2024 academic year.
The event held at the UPSA auditorium in Accra, was aimed at sharing the success story of the Free SHS program as a celebration of progress and a testament to the power of accessible education.
Addressing a momentum gathering of students from selected Senior High Schools across the country, the Minister noted that the statistics from the Ghana Education Service and the Free SHS Secretariat indicated that the Northern Regions topped the enrolment.
Outlining the statistics, he explained “Leading the charge was the Northern Region, boasting an exceptional 95% enrollment rate. Following closely were the Savanna and North East Regions, each with a robust 94% enrollment. The Upper East and Upper West regions secured their places with rates of 92% and 89%, respectively. These numbers painted a picture of eager students seizing the opportunity for a brighter future”.
Dr. Yaw Adutwum explained that the impact of the Free SHS policy reverberated across the nation, reaching over 505,000 students this academic year.
“These students, from diverse backgrounds and communities, now had access to quality education through SHS and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) schools. It was a milestone that spoke volumes about the government’s commitment to inclusivity and empowerment,” he stated.
Dr. Adutwum further revealed another triumph—academic success, by indicating that “For the 2022 and 2023 year groups, more than 60% of candidates achieved grades ranging from A1 to C6 in all Core Subjects. This marked a significant improvement over the past five years and stood as the best results recorded in nine years. It was a testament to the dedication of both students and educators”.
He noted that the Free SHS policy was built on the principles of Equity, Access, and Quality education for all. It wasn’t just about enrolling students; it was about breaking down barriers”.
“The policy alleviated the financial burdens on low-income families, ensuring that education was a right, not a privilege. Beyond that, it addressed critical challenges such as textbook provision and the construction of modern classroom blocks for both Junior High Schools (JHS) and SHS nationwide”.
The Minister for Education, Dr. Adutwum further took a moment to commend President Nana Addo Darkwa Akufo-Addo for his vision and leadership in spearheading this transformative initiative.
He also extended heartfelt gratitude to all stakeholders, from teachers to parents to policymakers, who had played a role in making the Free SHS policy a resounding success. It was a collective effort, fueled by a shared belief in the power of education to change lives.
Dr. Adutwum’s closing remarks were filled with hope and determination and also stressed that the Ministry of Education was working tirelessly to ensure the continued success of the Free SHS policy for generations to come. With a brighter future on the horizon, Ghana’s educational landscape was evolving, thanks to the vision and dedication of its leaders and stakeholders.
Aside from the students, the event was graced by some prominent Chiefs, especially from the Eastern Region.
-BY Daniel Bampoe