Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the Vice Presidential candidate of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) and former Minister for Education, has highlighted the strides made in promoting gender parity in education under the current administration.

Speaking on the occasion of International Girl Child Day, Dr Prempeh emphasised the importance of ensuring equal access to education for all children, especially girls.

In a Facebook post shared on Friday, October 11, Dr Prempeh noted that one of the key milestones in achieving gender parity has been the successful implementation of the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy.

According to him, the policy has significantly increased the enrollment of girls in secondary schools, bridging the gender gap in education.

He further explained that, through the Free SHS programme, many girls who previously faced financial barriers to education have been able to pursue their studies without the burden of school fees.

This has empowered them to reach their full potential, contributing to national development and gender equality.

Dr Prempeh reiterated the NPP’s commitment to advancing girls' education, stating that initiatives like the Free SHS will continue to play a pivotal role in ensuring that no child is left behind in Ghana’s education system, regardless of gender.

"On International Girl Child Day, I reflect on the strides we have made as a nation for the education of the girl child, particularly under the administration of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo."

"Over the years, enrolment of both boys and girls in our basic schools have generally been at par and we have achieved a fair measure of gender parity at that level. Under this government’s Free Senior High School programme, we have been able to leapfrog access to bring the enrolment of girls to be at par with boys’ enrolment at the senior high school level. This is a significant development for our nation."

"This year’s theme, 'Girls vision for the future’ resonates deeply with H.E. Alhaji Dr. Bawumia’s vision of both the need for urgent action and persistent hope, driven by the power of girls’ voices and vision for the future," he posted.