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Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the finance minister-designate, has assured Ghanaians that the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, which has been a key pillar of the nation’s educational policy, will remain intact under the new administration.
During his vetting by the Appointments Committee of Parliament on January 13, Dr. Forson responded to questions regarding the continuation of the Free SHS program, which has become a crucial initiative for ensuring equitable access to secondary education for all Ghanaians.
“As President John Dramani Mahama has made clear, the Free SHS policy will continue under his leadership. You have his assurance, and as a servant of the people, I stand by that commitment. Who am I to say otherwise?” Dr. Forson stated, reinforcing the government’s unwavering support for the policy.
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The Free SHS policy, which was launched in 2017 under the previous administration, aims to provide free secondary education for all students in Ghana, helping to reduce the financial barriers to education.
The initiative has been particularly beneficial for students from underprivileged families, who otherwise may not have been able to afford the cost of secondary schooling.
Dr. Forson highlighted that the program has led to a significant increase in enrolment at the secondary school level, marking a milestone in the country’s efforts to expand educational opportunities.
The policy has been praised for its potential to improve literacy rates and provide better opportunities for young people across the country.
While Dr. Forson reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the policy, he also acknowledged the ongoing fiscal challenges facing the country. Ghana, like many other nations, has faced economic difficulties, including rising debt levels, inflation, and a strain on public finances.
However, Dr. Forson stressed that, despite these financial hurdles, the Free SHS initiative remains a priority for the government. “We understand the fiscal challenges, but we also know that education is the key to the future of this country. Free SHS has come to stay, and we will continue to make it a central part of our educational policy,” he declared.
He emphasised that the government remains dedicated to investing in education, even in the face of budgetary constraints.
According to Dr. Forson, the continued implementation of Free SHS will help promote long-term national development by empowering the youth with the skills and knowledge needed for the future.
Dr. Forson’s remarks come as part of the broader discussion surrounding the country’s expenditure priorities. The government is expected to carefully manage its resources to ensure that key programs, including Free SHS, continue to thrive without compromising the country’s financial stability.
The finance minister-designate underscored the importance of prudent financial management and strategic planning to ensure the long-term sustainability of key initiatives. He reiterated that while the economic situation is challenging, the government will prioritise spending on critical social sectors such as education.
Dr. Forson’s assurance regarding Free SHS provides clarity to citizens, especially parents and students, who may have been concerned about the future of the policy. His statement reinforces the government’s commitment to providing quality education for all Ghanaians, regardless of their socio-economic background.
In conclusion, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson’s confirmation that the Free SHS policy will remain under the new government offers a sense of stability and continuity to the nation’s education sector.
