Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, widely known as NAPO, the running mate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has praised Ghana’s Free Senior High School (SHS) policy for its profound impact on education. Speaking at the University of Memphis in the United States on Friday, October 19, Dr. Prempeh emphasized the significant strides made through this initiative, which has transformed educational access and equity across the nation.
As the former Minister of Education during the introduction of the Free SHS policy in 2017, NAPO played a central role in its implementation. He highlighted how the programme has removed financial barriers, enabling countless Ghanaian students to pursue secondary education without the constraints that had previously prevented many families from affording it. “The Free SHS policy has given opportunities to thousands of young people who would otherwise have been left behind due to financial limitations,” he stated. NAPO further stressed that the policy has not only expanded access but also improved educational outcomes, especially for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Dr. Prempeh firmly rejected claims that the policy has compromised the quality of education in the country. He presented data that showed improved performance in core subjects over the past five years, demonstrating the success of the policy in enhancing academic achievements. “It is important to state that a cursory analysis of core subject performance from 2015 to 2023 points to a significant improvement in the past five years,” he remarked. He noted that for the 2022 and 2023 cohorts, over 60% of students achieved A1 to C6 in all core subjects, meeting the qualifications for tertiary education in Ghana.
In fact, the 2023 results, NAPO highlighted, were the best seen in nine years, a direct testament to the success of the Free SHS initiative. “This clearly refutes the argument by some naysayers that the Free Senior High School Policy was intended to compromise quality education,” he added. The data, according to NAPO, demonstrates that the policy has strengthened academic performance across the board, with students now performing better than before.
NAPO also drew attention to the equity component of the Free SHS programme, which has been instrumental in ensuring that students from underprivileged backgrounds have access to some of the country’s top schools. He highlighted the introduction of the 30% equity policy, which reserves a portion of spaces in elite schools for students from public basic schools. This initiative, according to Dr. Prempeh, has helped bridge the educational gap between wealthy and disadvantaged students.
“The equity component of the Free SHS programme has been crucial,” he noted. “Beyond removing financial barriers, we actively ensured that children from disadvantaged backgrounds could access our top schools.” By providing a level playing field for students from less privileged backgrounds, the policy has allowed many such students to excel in these elite schools, showcasing the potential of all children if given equal opportunities. This affirmative action approach, NAPO explained, has proved that students from deprived environments can succeed when given access to the same resources and opportunities as their more fortunate peers.
Dr. Prempeh further discussed the progress made in achieving gender parity through the Free SHS policy. According to him, the enrolment figures are now reflective of the national population dynamics, with a balanced number of male and female students attending senior high schools. “The discussion on gender imbalance does not even arise anymore,” he stated, pointing to the success of the programme in ensuring equal opportunities for boys and girls alike.
Beyond the immediate benefits of improving access to education, Dr. Prempeh also highlighted the long-term positive effects of the Free SHS policy. He argued that the initiative is an essential investment in Ghana’s future, as it helps to create a well-educated and skilled workforce capable of driving the country’s development. By ensuring that all students, regardless of their socio-economic backgrounds, have access to quality education, the policy is laying the foundation for a brighter future for Ghana.
“The Free SHS policy is not just an educational initiative; it is an investment in the future of our country,” NAPO stated. “By providing education to all, we are shaping a skilled and knowledgeable workforce that will contribute to national development and ensure Ghana’s growth in the years to come.”
As Ghana prepares for the upcoming elections, Dr. Prempeh’s defense of the Free SHS policy reinforces the NPP’s commitment to education and youth development. His message to the audience at the University of Memphis was clear: the Free SHS policy has been a resounding success, and its continuation will be crucial in securing the future of Ghana’s next generation.
NAPO’s remarks at the University of Memphis reflect his deep belief in the transformative power of education and his dedication to ensuring that all Ghanaian children have the opportunity to succeed. Through the Free SHS policy, he argued, Ghana is not only addressing educational inequality but also setting the stage for long-term economic growth and prosperity.
As the 2024 elections approach, Dr. Prempeh’s role as the running mate for the NPP positions him as a key advocate for the continued success and expansion of the Free SHS programme. His defense of the policy at the University of Memphis signals his commitment to education reform and his belief in the power of education to transform lives and drive national development.
