President Dr. Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the Free Senior High School (SHS) programme, emphasizing that it will not be canceled but rather improved for greater efficiency and impact.
Speaking during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday, February 27, 2025, President Mahama highlighted the programme’s significance in expanding access to education and assured Ghanaians of his determination to enhance its implementation.
“I John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, will not cancel the free SHS programme,”he stated firmly. “I am determined to make it better by improving its implementations”.
The Free SHS program, introduced years ago to provide access to secondary education for all Ghanaian students regardless of financial background, has been a subject of both praise and scrutiny.
President Mahama seized the moment to set the record straight on its impact, revealing that approximately 3.4 million students have benefited from the program since its inception.
In a pointed rebuke of his predecessors, he dismissed claims by the previous administration that 5.1 million students had been reached, calling the figure “an exaggerated and false narrative calculated to achieve political credit.”
President Mahama’s remarks reflect his government’s focus on strengthening the Free SHS programme by addressing existing challenges and ensuring that every Ghanaian child has access to quality education. He assured the nation that his administration remains committed to making Free SHS more effective, sustainable, and beneficial for future generations.
Read Also >>> GES pledges full implementation of policies from National Education Forum
Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has announced the launch of the Students for Women and People with Disabilities Program this year, an initiative aimed at empowering women, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and other vulnerable groups.
The program will focus on capacity building and providing access to financial resources to help beneficiaries create their own employment opportunities.
Delivering the State of the Nation Address (SONA), Mahama highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting marginalised groups and ensuring inclusive economic development. He emphasised that access to finance and skills training is crucial in helping individuals achieve self-sufficiency.
In addition to this program, President Mahama underscored the importance of equipping the youth with digital skills. He pointed to the 1 Million Coders Program, which offers training in coding, web and app development, digital marketing, and other IT-related fields.
This initiative, he stated, aims to boost employability and drive innovation in Ghana’s digital economy.
“The Ministry of Communications, Dignity, and Technology and Innovation will play a key role in fostering youth IT skills and creating an enabling environment for technological advancement,” Mahama stated.
Despite various reforms in the education sector, President Mahama acknowledged ongoing challenges, particularly related to low-end incomes among students and young graduates.
He reaffirmed his commitment to prioritising quality education, ensuring that Ghanaian youth receive relevant and practical training for today’s competitive job market.
“As a nation, we must provide meaningful and relevant education to prepare our youth for the demands of a technology-driven world,” he said.
