Josiah
The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has reiterated the government’s commitment to improving the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, clarifying that ongoing reviews aim to enhance the quality of education rather than abolish the program.
During a debate on the 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy, Iddrisu emphasized that the Free SHS initiative remains a key pillar of government policy, as articulated by President John Mahama. However, he acknowledged concerns about certain aspects of its implementation, particularly regarding student assessments and the overall effectiveness of the educational framework.
Drawing on discussions from the recent National Education Forum, which brought together input from over 5,000 stakeholders, Iddrisu highlighted concerns about the lack of academic distinctions within Ghana’s education system. He noted that nearly all students progress through the system regardless of their performance, raising questions about the program’s long-term impact on educational standards.
One key issue raised by stakeholders is whether Free SHS should remain universal or adopt a means-testing model, where families who can afford to pay contribute, while those in need continue to receive full support. This debate aims to strike a balance between equity and fiscal sustainability.
Iddrisu further explained that Ghana’s definition of basic education—which now includes SHS—is more expansive than in most African countries, where basic education typically ends at the junior high school (JHS) level. While this broader approach has contributed to higher literacy rates, the government is exploring the creation of an Educational Trust Fund to ensure sustainable financing, improved resource allocation, and enhanced infrastructure to support quality education delivery.
The minister assured the public that the government remains committed to refining the Free SHS program to address challenges while maintaining its core objective of improving access to education for all Ghanaians.
