Dr Clement Apaak, the Deputy Minister-Designate for Education, says his government will address and resolve the challenges affecting Ghana’s Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy.
Implemented in 2017 by the Akufo-Addo administration, the Free SHS policy aims to eliminate financial barriers to secondary education by covering tuition, textbooks, boarding, and meals.
Appearing before the Appointments Committee of Parliament on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, Dr Apaak acknowledged the policy’s benefits but highlighted issues related to infrastructure and feeding as significant challenges.
He stated, “We all agree that the Free Senior High School policy is good. We also know that the policy is characterised by some challenges. President John Dramani Mahama and his government have promised to solve the issues affecting Free SHS and improve on it so that it will be beneficial to students.”
By addressing the existing loopholes in the Free SHS policy, the administration aims to create a more equitable and effective educational system that benefits every student across the nation.
To improve the policy’s effectiveness, the administration plans to secure dedicated funding and decentralise food procurement to ensure timely and adequate provision for students.
Additionally, there is a focus on expanding infrastructure to accommodate the increasing number of enrollees, thereby reducing overcrowding in classrooms and dormitories.
