Key Points
- Mahama says Free SHS is here to stay.
- He plans to secure sustainable funding for the program.
- Mahama refutes NPP’s claims as baseless political propaganda.
John Mahama, the incoming president, has reiterated his dedication to upholding Ghana’s Free Senior High School (Free SHS) program, describing it as an important social intervention that “is here to stay.”
Free SHS here to stay, says President-elect Mahama
According to Myjoyonline, Mahama denied rumors that his government intends to discontinue the program in an interview with Voice of America (VOA), calling them “baseless political propaganda.”
Mahama declared, “Free SHS is here to stay and is not going anywhere.” “Free SHS won’t be abandoned. What was said was gimmick and political rhetoric. We’re going to keep it up. Our plan is to secure specific funding for it.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) made claims throughout the election campaign, to which the statement responds. The NPP had claimed that if elected, Mahama’s administration would do away with the flagship scheme.
Mahama denied the allegations, claiming they were political misinformation meant to deceive the general people. He underlined that finding a long-term funding source would be the main goal of his administration in order to enhance the program’s execution.
Dedicated funding to secure long-term sustainability of Free SHS
Mahama asserts that securing a specific source of finance would improve Free SHS’s ability to provide high-quality education while also ensuring its sustainability. He maintained that in order to prevent program operational disruptions like delayed cash releases or insufficient resources for schools, financial stability is crucial.
Mahama reaffirmed that Free SHS is essential to advancing equal educational opportunities and access for all Ghanaian students, irrespective of their financial situation. He emphasized the importance of education as a fundamental right and promised to give it high priority while in office.
Under the NPP government, the Free SHS policy was implemented in 2017 and offers high school students free tuition, textbooks, and other materials. Even though there have been issues with funding and crammed classrooms, the concept is still a hot topic in Ghanaian politics.
In his comments, Mahama aims to reassure parents, students, and other interested parties that his administration will not only uphold the policy but actively attempt to increase its effectiveness. He wants to guarantee the program’s viability and raise the standard of education provided to Ghanaian students by resolving its financial issues.
