A group of university lecturers has commended the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy, describing it as a bold and progressive initiative that has significantly improved access to education in Ghana.

Speaking at a press conference held on Monday, November 25, 2024, at the School of Business Conference Hall, University of Cape Coast (UCC), the convener, Prof. Isaac Boadi, the Dean of Faculty and Accounting at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), emphasized the policy’s transformative potential.

“Free SHS is not a whimsical promise made by a desperate politician; it is a forward-looking policy that empowers the future generation, “It’s about building a nation where every child has access to education, which is the foundation for national progress,” he said.

A Bold and Progressive Policy

The group lauded the Free SHS policy as a bold and progressive step in ensuring equal access to education for all Ghanaian children, regardless of socioeconomic background. They described it as a “critical tool in pursuing sustainable national development.”

“Free SHS ensures that no child is left behind due to financial barriers, it’s an investment in human capital aimed at addressing the nation’s skills gap and fostering a well-educated, empowered population” the group noted.

Bridging Educational Gaps

The lecturers highlighted the policy's significant contributions to reducing educational inequality. They commended the government for its commitment to inclusive education. “By allowing students from low-income families to access quality education, Free SHS has helped bridge the gap between privileged and underprivileged communities,” the group stated.

Key Benefits

The lecturers pointed to several benefits of the policy, including increased university enrolment, reduced school dropouts, and a more skilled workforce.

“Free SHS prepares students for tertiary education and the labour market, contributing to national economic growth.”

The group also linked the policy to global development goals, which aim to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all, “This initiative aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 4,” Prof. Boadi said.

The lecturers praised the government for spending 10 billion cedis on the policy between 2017 and 2024 and called for consistent funding to maintain its quality and accessibility.

“We commend the government for its bold step in making secondary education free,” they said. “However, consistent investment in teacher training, infrastructure, and welfare is necessary to sustain the programme.”

They urged the government to continue improving facilities such as classrooms, dormitories, and laboratories to accommodate the growing number of students.

The press conference concluded with a resounding endorsement of Free SHS as a transformative policy that is “too great an idea for a visionless leader to be put in charge of it.”

The lecturers called on all stakeholders to support and strengthen the programme for the benefit of future generations. They urged Ghanaians to vote for the NPP to continue with policies such as the free SHS policy.