Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the running mate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the upcoming 2024 elections, has acknowledged the challenges facing the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy but expressed confidence that these issues will be addressed with determination and effective solutions.

Speaking at the University of Memphis in the United States on Friday, October 18, Dr Prempeh, also known as NAPO, reaffirmed the NPP’s commitment to refining the policy to ensure it continues to provide equal educational opportunities for all Ghanaian students.

In his address, NAPO highlighted the significant improvements in student performance in core subjects over the past five years, attributing this success to the implementation of the Free SHS initiative.

He emphasised that the policy has strengthened educational outcomes and provided greater access to quality education for many students across the country.

“We do not and cannot pretend that challenges remain. They do. But we will continue to confront them boldly and honestly. No challenge is insurmountable,” he stated, emphasising the NPP's resolve to tackle existing obstacles within the education sector.

Dr Prempeh also underscored the importance of the 30% equity policy, which reserves slots in top-tier senior high schools for students from public basic schools in deprived areas.

This initiative aims to promote inclusivity and help bridge the educational gap between urban and rural students.

Furthermore, he reiterated the NPP’s vision of removing all barriers to education, ensuring that every young Ghanaian’s educational journey is determined by their abilities rather than financial constraints, gender, or geographical location.

“We will keep removing barriers to education at all levels, ensuring that every young Ghanaian’s educational journey is determined by their abilities, not the financial circumstances of their family, not their gender, not their location."

“We believe education must provide every Ghanaian child with open opportunities and a fair start in life, especially as we seek to participate actively in the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” he stated.