John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), recently reiterated his commitment to the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy, a cornerstone of Ghana’s educational system. In an address to Christian leaders in Kumasi on Monday, November 11, Mahama emphasized that under his administration, the Free SHS policy would not only continue but would be enhanced through dedicated, sustainable funding.
This assurance came amid concerns from the public about the future of the policy, which Mahama referred to as “here to stay,” dismissing claims that he might cancel the program as mere “political gimmicks.”
Mahama’s comments align with the NDC’s vision of supporting the Free SHS policy, not only in words but through concrete actions that ensure its long-term viability.
He highlighted that while Free SHS has significantly expanded access to secondary education across Ghana, it still faces funding challenges. Addressing this issue, Mahama remarked, “We must ensure it’s well-funded to improve its quality and keep it going.” His administration, he assured, would seek to secure consistent funding to strengthen the policy, creating a solid foundation for generations to come.
The Free SHS program, implemented by the current administration under the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has expanded educational opportunities by covering tuition and other costs, allowing many students to attend secondary school who might otherwise be unable to do so.
However, the rapid expansion of the program has led to challenges in quality and resources, particularly concerning overcrowding in schools, insufficient teaching materials, and infrastructure issues. Mahama acknowledged these challenges, expressing his commitment to addressing them through sustainable funding that would enhance the program’s quality and accessibility.
By underscoring the need for an adequately funded Free SHS program, Mahama highlighted his broader vision for education in Ghana. His administration, he promised, would prioritize not just the continuation of Free SHS but also its improvement, aiming to deliver a higher-quality education for all Ghanaian students.
Mahama expressed his belief that a well-funded program would result in better educational outcomes, ensuring that students receive a robust and effective education that prepares them for the future. His stance reflects an emphasis on both access and quality, aiming to provide students with the skills they need to succeed in a competitive global environment.
The Free SHS policy has remained a key talking point in Ghana’s political landscape, with both major parties the NPP and the NDC reaffirming their support for it. While the NPP claims credit for its implementation, the NDC has positioned itself as a champion for improving and sustaining the program. The NDC’s commitment, according to Mahama, goes beyond mere continuity; it is a pledge to create a robust funding structure that addresses current limitations and ensures the policy’s longevity.
Mahama’s remarks also reflect a broader goal of improving the educational system as a whole. He stressed that under his leadership, Free SHS would be strengthened to meet the evolving needs of Ghana’s youth. “Education is the foundation of our future,” Mahama noted, adding that investing in it is not only about providing immediate access but also about preparing the country’s young population to contribute meaningfully to the economy. In his view, a strengthened Free SHS program is essential for creating a knowledgeable, skilled, and employable workforce.
Critics have often argued that Free SHS, while laudable in its intent, requires a more strategic approach to ensure both access and quality. Mahama acknowledged these concerns and emphasized his administration’s readiness to tackle them head-on. He believes that an administration focused on sustainable funding could significantly enhance the program’s quality, making it more than just a gateway to secondary education but a genuine opportunity for holistic learning.
Furthermore, Mahama addressed concerns about the political undertones surrounding Free SHS, particularly allegations that his administration would seek to dismantle the program. He firmly rejected these claims, describing them as tactics to sway public opinion.
In his view, the question is not whether Free SHS should exist but how it can be made better. The NDC’s stance, he argued, is a practical approach that seeks to make education accessible and meaningful by ensuring that resources are available to support student learning effectively.
Mahama’s emphasis on sustainable funding also includes a commitment to improving educational infrastructure, such as classrooms, dormitories, and teaching materials. His administration, he assured, would focus on tackling the issues that have plagued the program since its inception, ensuring that students do not merely have access to education but receive a quality experience that prepares them for the future.
In addition to improving infrastructure, Mahama spoke on the importance of teacher support. He highlighted that teachers play a pivotal role in the success of the Free SHS program and that supporting them is integral to its sustainability. He proposed that an adequately funded program should also provide resources for teacher training, support, and motivation, creating an environment where both students and teachers can thrive.
In reaffirming his commitment, Mahama assured Ghanaians that Free SHS would not only remain under his leadership but would be elevated to a standard that ensures long-term success. His words echo the NDC’s broader vision for Ghana, a vision in which education serves as a powerful tool for personal and national development.
With sustainable funding as a cornerstone, Mahama’s administration, he vowed, would prioritize educational reforms that secure a brighter future for Ghana’s youth.
As the election approaches, Mahama’s pledge to uphold and improve Free SHS provides voters with a clear perspective on the NDC’s educational agenda. In a political climate where education is a top priority, Mahama’s statements serve as a reminder that the policy’s success lies not only in its existence but in its ability to adapt, grow, and meet the needs of all Ghanaians.
In conclusion, Mahama’s assurances to Christian leaders in Kumasi on November 11 underscore his administration’s resolve to make Free SHS sustainable and impactful.
He remains committed to upholding the policy, securing its funding, and addressing its challenges. For Mahama, Free SHS represents more than a campaign promise it is a commitment to the future of Ghana’s youth and the nation’s development.
