Free SHS: Akufo-Addo gets Africa Leadership University award

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has been awarded by the Africa Leadership University with the Nelson Mandela Africa Leadership University award, for the implementation of the ‘Free Senior High School’ policy.

The founder of the University, Fred Swanika, identified four reasons for which the academic institution decided to award the President.

Speaking at the award dinner to present the citation, he stated that, “Education is the most powerful weapon that can be used to change the world.” President Akufo-Addo he said, is an embodiment of the statement above by virtue of his policy of free SHS which is currently underway in Ghana.

The second reason for the award, he said, is because of the President’s belief in the youth of Ghana and those of the African continent as a whole.

The third rationale behind the award is the persistence of the President in that he did not give up after running for office twice and losing on both attempts. Rather he still took the step and gave it a third try that eventually succeeded. The last reason behind the award, according to Swanika, is the President’s belief in African self-reliance.

Graca Machel, wife of the late South African president, Nelson Mandela, read the citation. The citation stated as follows; “In recognition of his extraordinary commitment to education by implementing free universal education in Ghana, African Leadership University recognise the President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo, for his exemplary leadership.”

In his response, Mr. Akufo-Addo said he is delighted to receive the Nelson Mandela African Leadership University award. He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that the education of the children of Ghana and Africa’s self-reliance remains at the forefront of his vision as President.



Mr. Akufo-Addo noted that Nelson Mandela was a leader who before he became the icon that we all recognize, said certain things about the world, and when he had the opportunity of leadership, his deeds matched hundred percent all his thoughts he expressed before he became a leader.

The President said he is looking forward to following after the Mandela example as he leads Ghana, “So that one day Ghanaians may be able to say in a small little drop that I was that kind of a leader, someone who matched his words to his deeds.”

African Leadership University (ALU) is pioneering a fresh approach to higher education in the 21st century; offering accredited undergraduate, postgraduate and executive education programmes in a unique and imaginative way.

By integrating students’ learning with the real world, empowering students to take ownership of their own learning, equipping each student to think entrepreneurially, and employing the most engaging and inspiring teaching methods, ALU is pioneering a new take on higher education and leadership development.



ALU develops skills in its graduates to ensure they will remain relevant even as the world changes.

It also develops its students intellectually, provides them with work experience, and develops their “whole” being.

ALU is opening campuses around Africa that will ultimately train 3 million entrepreneurial, ethical leaders for Africa and the world by 2060. Although based in Africa, ALU welcomes students from all around the world to its campuses.

One campus is currently open on the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius (known as the African Leadership College) and a second one is in Rwanda.

ALU was founded in 2013 by renowned Ghanaian educationalist Fred Swaniker. Mrs. Graça Machel, serves as Chancellor of the University.