SONA 2025: I Said I Will Never Cancel Free SHS Though Introduced By NPP - Prez Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has once again assured Ghanaians that the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy will remain intact under his administration, despite previous criticisms of its implementation.
Addressing Parliament on Thursday, February 27, 2025, during his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) since his re-election, President Mahama reaffirmed that his government has no intention of discontinuing the policy.
His remarks reinforced statements he made throughout his 2024 election campaign, where he repeatedly assured the public that, while he acknowledged the programme’s shortcomings, he would focus on improving its structure rather than abolishing it.
He emphasised the need for reforms to enhance its efficiency and ensure its sustainability.
The Free SHS policy was originally introduced in 2017 under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, aiming to provide free secondary education to all Ghanaian students.
While widely praised as a transformative initiative, the programme has faced significant challenges, including accommodation shortages, inadequate feeding arrangements, and logistical concerns, leading to persistent calls for adjustments.
During his previous tenure, Mahama was one of the policy’s most vocal critics, arguing that its rushed execution resulted in inefficiencies.
However, in his renewed mandate, he now prioritises restructuring the programme to address its flaws while maintaining its core objective of accessible education for all.
His latest pronouncement is expected to reassure parents, students, and education stakeholders who had been concerned about potential policy reversals under his leadership.
Source: NewsandVibes.com
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