Former Education Minister, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, has emphasized the transformative impact of the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy, stating that its benefits cannot be ignored.
Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show on Friday, February 14, he highlighted how the initiative has significantly increased access to secondary education and provided opportunities for countless students who would have otherwise been left behind.
Dr Adutwum, who served as Education Minister from 2021 to 2024, reiterated that the policy has eased financial burdens on families and ensured that secondary education remains a right rather than a privilege.
“Free SHS has been a game-changer for many Ghanaian students and parents. We cannot overlook how it has expanded access to education and given hope to those who previously had limited opportunities,” he remarked.
He also addressed concerns regarding the challenges faced by the program, acknowledging that while there have been hurdles, the overall impact remains overwhelmingly positive.
“Like every major policy, Free SHS has had its fair share of challenges, but these do not diminish its achievements. We must continue working towards improving the system to make it more sustainable,” he stated.
Dr. Adutwum urged all stakeholders, including policymakers and educationists, to remain committed to refining the policy to ensure that its long-term benefits are maximized.
We have made great progress, and with the right investments and reforms, Free SHS will continue to be a pillar of Ghana’s educational system,” he added.
Voice of Dr. Adutwum
Former Education Minister, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, has revealed that 70% of Ghana’s Senior High Schools (SHS) have successfully phased out the double-track system.
Dr. Adutwum, who served as Education Minister from 2021 to 2024, noted that the government had prioritized the expansion of school facilities to address overcrowding.
“Through strategic investments in classroom blocks, dormitories, and other facilities, we have been able to gradually eliminate the double-track system in most schools,” he stated.
He acknowledged that while some schools still operate under the system, efforts are ongoing to completely phase it out. “
We are not entirely done yet, but the progress is commendable. The goal is to ensure that every SHS returns to a single-track system while maintaining the gains made through the Free SHS policy,” Dr Adutwum added.
Voice of Dr. Adutwum
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