John Mahama
Source: Africa Publicity
President-elect John Dramani Mahama has dispelled rumors that his administration would abolish Ghana’s Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy, emphasizing that the program is “here to stay”. In an interview with Voice of America, Mahama described claims of abolition as unfounded political propaganda.
The Free SHS program, introduced in 2017, provides free tuition, boarding, and meals for students in public senior high schools, enabling hundreds of thousands of Ghanaian youth, especially from underprivileged backgrounds, to access secondary education. However, the policy has faced challenges, including overcrowded classrooms, inadequate infrastructure, and delayed release of funds.
Mahama plans to address these challenges by securing a reliable funding mechanism to alleviate financial constraints and improve the quality of education under the scheme. His administration also aims to integrate the Free SHS Secretariat into the Education Directorate for better oversight and address textbook distribution issues.
Key Highlights of Mahama’s Victory
1. *Decisive Win*: Mahama secured 56.55% of valid votes cast.
2. *Free SHS Commitment*: Mahama reaffirmed his commitment to the Free SHS policy.
3. *Addressing Challenges*: Mahama plans to address overcrowding, infrastructure, and funding issues.
4. *Reliable Funding*: Mahama aims to secure dedicated funding for the program ¹.
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