President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo says the teething challenges confronting the Free Senior High School policy will be fixed.

President Akufo-Addo said he was inspired by the famous Chinese adage which says “a journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step” in implementing the policy. “We have taken that first step in Ghana, and we shall deal with the challenges.”

He said already tenders have gone out and, soon, contracts will be awarded for the provision of some 69,500 mono desks, and some 13,100 bunk beds.

The president made this known on Sunday at the 68th anniversary of Prempeh College in Kumasi. He said tender notices have been issued for the supply of furniture for dining halls, staff rooms of teachers, computer laboratories, and the provision of marker boards for classrooms. He dismissed concerns of “propagandists” and “naysayers” who hitherto, he noted, have maintained the policy could only be implemented in 20 years.

“They now claim Free SHS is not sustainable, and will crash in 5 years.” President Akufo-Addo expressed gladness his choice to implement the policy has the support of Ghanaians.

“Free SHS is here to stay, because leadership is about choices, and I have no doubt that the overwhelming majority of Ghanaians support the choice that I have made.

They recognise the importance of the investment we are making in the youth and in the future of our country. The investment will be sustained.”