Mahama's Budget Silences Critics: He commits GH¢3.5 billion to Free SHS

President John Mahama's commitment to the Free Senior High School (SHS) programme, a key tenet of his electioneering campaign, has been emphatically solidified with a substantial GH¢3.5 billion allocation in his maiden 2025 national budget.

This significant investment decisively silences critics who speculated about the fate of the programme under an NDC administration, marking a critical moment in Ghana's educational space.

During the intense and often contentious 2024 election campaign, the future of the Free SHS programme became a central point of debate. Detractors of the then-presidential candidate John Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) suggested that an NDC victory would spell the end of the initiative.

These allegations, fueled by political maneuvering, created a cloud of uncertainty around the programme, raising concerns among parents and students alike.

However, Mahama consistently refuted these claims. Throughout his campaign, he pledged to maintain and even improve the Free SHS programme, emphasising its vital role in promoting educational accessibility and equity.

He understood the transformative potential of providing free secondary education to all Ghanaian children, regardless of their socioeconomic background. His promise resonated with many voters who saw the programme as a critical pathway to a promising future.

With his electoral victory secured, President Mahama faced the immediate challenge of delivering on his campaign promises. The allocation of GH¢3.5 billion in the 2025 national budget serves as a concrete demonstration of his unwavering commitment to the Free SHS programme.

This substantial investment signals a clear intent to not only maintain the existing programme but also to strengthen its infrastructure, improve its quality, and address any challenges that may arise.

The allocation has been met with widespread approval from various stakeholders, including parents, educators, and civil society organisations. The move has calmed concerns about the programme's future and provided reassurance that Mahama's government is committed to supporting the educational aspirations of Ghanaian youth.

This substantial investment sends a strong message to the international community, showcasing Ghana's dedication to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4, which focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.

While the GH¢3.5 billion allocation is a significant step forward, challenges remain. Continuous monitoring and evaluation will be crucial to ensure that the funds are used effectively and efficiently.

Addressing issues such as overcrowding, teacher shortages, feeding and resource allocation will be paramount to maximising the impact of the Free SHS programme and ensuring its long-term sustainability.

Lastly, President Mahama's allocation of GH¢3.5 billion in the 2025 national budget for the Free SHS programme is a clear indication of his commitment to fulfilling his campaign promises and investing in the future of Ghana's youth.

This bold move has effectively silenced critics and cemented the programme's place as a foundation for Ghana's educational policy, paving the way for a more equitable and prosperous future for the youth of this country.