There is more to be done to improve and sustain the Free SHS policy;it will be secured under my leadership – Dr Bawumia

Although praising the current government’s Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has pointed out that it still needs improvement.

He underlined that the policy will be safe under his direction and reiterated his commitment to seeing it through to the end.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate John Dramani Mahama has pledged to evaluate the Free SHS policy after taking office, given its history of difficulties.

“The policy has therefore been a resounding success,” the Vice President stated in an interview with Africa Watch Magazine. That does not imply that there aren’t any issues. To make it better, additional work needs to be done.

“I am committed to the Free SHS policy, and I believe it would be safe and sustainable in my hands,” Dr Bawumia noted.

He promised to build more school infrastructure in Ghana, including dining halls, dorms, and classroom blocks.

“My government will build more infrastructure like classroom blocks, dormitories, and dining facilities for the schools. My government will also invest in teacher training and professional development, enhancing curriculum relevance and alignment with workforce needs,” he promised.

The Free SHS program, according to Dr. Bawumia, has greatly raised the number of students enrolled in senior high schools.

“The programme is a cornerstone of our government’s commitment to expanding access to quality education for all Ghanaian youth. It is probably one of the most successful social intervention programmes ever implemented in Ghana.

“It has dramatically boosted student enrollment in senior high schools across the country. What is more important, the highest enrollments are coming from the poorest regions of Ghana, like the five northern regions.

“Furthermore, Ghana has now attained gender parity in senior high-school education as more girls than boys have accessed the programme. Also, the increase in enrollment has not resulted in a reduction in quality.

“In fact, the performance of the students in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination last year shows that the free SHS beneficiaries attained the best results since 2014. The policy has therefore been a resounding success. That does not mean it is without problems. There is more to be done to improve it.”