Vice president and flag bearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mahamudu Bawumia has stated this government’s flagship Free SHS would be safe and sustainable in his hands if he is elected president.
In an interview with Africa Watch Magazine, the Vice President said “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. I am committed to the Free SHS policy. And I believe it would be safe and sustainable in my hands.”
The Free SHS has been characterized by challenges, with parents, civil society and the opposition NDC led by its candidate John Dramani Mahama calling for a review.
But Dr. Bawumia has insisted he will be the right man to lead a transformation of the policy. He pledged to improve infrastructure and professional development.
“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.”
The vice president also noted that the Free SHS policy has significantly increased student enrollment 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,” he stated.
According to Bawumia, the policy has also opened up more opportunities for girls to enrol in High School. He said there is now gender parity at that level because more girls have enrolled in school.
“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.”
Dr. Bawumia also praised the impact of the policy on performance, stating that the Free SHS beneficiaries have performed better in their final examinations than in previous years.
“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,” he emphasized.
