President Nana Akufo-Addo has expressed satisfaction with the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, which he described as a cornerstone of his administration’s legacy.

Speaking in an interview with Kumasi-based Hello FM on Tuesday, November 26, the President highlighted the policy's transformative impact, calling it a catalyst for Ghana’s socio-economic progress.

• Read also: ‘No child left behind in Free SHS’ – Akufo-Addo declares

He noted that the initiative has empowered thousands of students by ensuring access to quality education and laying a solid foundation for the country’s future development.

“Last year, WASSCE results were the best in Ghana’s history because of the reforms we implemented in the education system,” he said.

President Akufo-Addo explained that the Free SHS policy not only addressed financial barriers but also improved the overall quality of education.

“Before we came into office, at least 100,000 students every year could not transition from JHS to SHS—not because they lacked the grades or failed the BECE exams, but simply because their parents couldn’t afford the fees,” he remarked.

• Read also: Over 5.7m students have benefited from Free SHS since 2017 – Akufo-Addo

He stressed that such financial obstacles had caused many students to drop out of the educational system, a trend he believed was unsustainable for national development.

“We couldn’t bear that, so this policy is not just a political gimmick—it’s a developmental initiative,” President Akufo-Addo asserted.

The President also addressed allegations that some teachers had assisted students during the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

Describing the claims as unfortunate, he emphasised the importance of maintaining integrity within Ghana’s education system.