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Former Minister of Education, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has emphasised the significant role of Ghana's Free Senior High School (SHS) policy in improving access to education.
Speaking during an interview with Raj Kumar, President and Editor-in-Chief at Devex, Dr. Opoku Prempeh highlighted how the Free SHS policy has positively impacted learning outcomes and bridged educational inequality.
He stated, "The government must expand the program by building more model schools and improving facilities in existing ones to make it more attractive. Additionally, the government must provide the necessary funding to enhance the program."
Dr. Opoku Prempeh, affectionately called NAPO, further stressed the importance of adopting key reforms to strengthen the initiative and prevent any derailment of its achievements.
The Free SHS policy, introduced in 2017, has provided thousands of Ghanaian students, especially those from low-income families, with an opportunity to pursue secondary education without the burden of fees.
This initiative has been a cornerstone of Ghana's efforts to achieve the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 4, which seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all.
NAPO underscored the importance of addressing the challenges associated with the policy, such as overcrowded classrooms, teacher shortages, and inadequate infrastructure.
"We must ensure that no child is left behind, and that the quality of education delivered under the Free SHS program matches the quantity of students enrolled," he remarked.
He also called for a stronger collaboration between the government and private sector to sustain the program.
"By involving private entities in resource provision, innovative teaching methods, and capacity-building initiatives, the program could reach even greater heights," he suggested.
Moreover, NAPO encouraged policymakers to integrate technology into the Free SHS program, noting that digital tools and resources could revolutionise the way education is delivered and accessed.
"Incorporating technology into teaching and learning will not only enhance the quality of education but also prepare students for the demands of a 21st-century economy," he added.
The former minister concluded by urging stakeholders to view the Free SHS policy as a long-term investment in Ghana's future.
He emphasised that education is the foundation for sustainable national development and that every effort must be made to ensure its success.
