University lecturers to Mahama: Free SHS is a visionary policy

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.

Addressing a press conference in the conference hall of the School of Business at the University of Cape Coast, the convenor of the group, Professor Isaac Boadi, who is also the dean of the Faculty of Finance and Accounting at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), argued that Free SHS is a visionary and transformative policy designed to secure the future of Ghana’s youth.

Critical

On behalf of the group, Professor Boadi said that the initiative is not only about political expediency but a critical tool in the pursuit of sustainable national development.

The group argued that Free SHS is a bold, progressive policy which ensures equal access to education for every Ghanaian child, regardless of his or her socio-economic background.

They explained that the policy represents a long-term investment in Ghana’s human capital, aimed at addressing the nation’s skills gap and fostering an empowered, well-educated population.

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

Commendation

The lecturers commended the government for its bold step in making secondary education accessible to all Ghanaian children, regardless of their personal financial circumstances.

They highlighted the significant contributions of Free SHS to inclusive and equitable education in the country.

The group said that the policy had played a crucial role in bridging the education gap between the privileged and the underprivileged, allowing students from low-income families to access quality education.

This, members said, had contributed to reducing inequality in education and fostering a more equitable education system.

They also emphasised the positive impact of Free SHS on national development. By enhancing human capital through a well-educated population, the policy is driving innovation and economic growth.

The lecturers cited how the initiative has enabled many families to break the cycle of poverty, aligning with national development goals.

Key benefits

The lecturers said the Free SHS programme ensures that children from low-income households can access education without financial barriers, promoting social mobility and breaking the cycle of poverty.

“Free SHS prepares students for tertiary education and the labour market, contributing to national economic growth. The policy has also increased enrolment at the university level, creating a larger pool of talent for research and innovation.

“By reducing school dropouts and child labour, Free SHS helps empower young people to contribute meaningfully to society, fostering greater social cohesion and stability,” they said.

The group added that the policy aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 4, which seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Recommendations

The university lecturers further urged the government to ensure consistent funding to maintain the programme’s quality and accessibility.

They praised the government’s commitment to spending GHC10 billion on the policy since its inception in 2017, and called for continued increases in budgetary allocation.

They recognised the government’s efforts to renew physical infrastructure, including classrooms, dormitories, libraries and laboratories, to accommodate the growing number of students. They called for continued improvements to ensure that no child was left behind.

The lecturers emphasised the need for continuous investment in teacher training and welfare. They urged the government to attach prime importance to the recruitment and training of teachers, as well as improving teachers’ remuneration, to ensure high-quality education.

They further recommended the establishment of robust systems through the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service to track the programme’s impact, ensure accountability and address challenges promptly.