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Opinions of Thursday, 15 August 2024

Columnist: Anthony Obeng Afrane

Mahama to expand free SHS to private schools and ensure sustainable funding

John Dramani Mahama John Dramani Mahama

Ensuring sustainable funding for free senior high school in Ghana is crucial for several reasons:

Access to education: Free senior high school allows more students, especially those from low-income families, to access quality education. Sustainable funding ensures that this initiative can continue in the long term, providing equal opportunities for all students to receive an education.

Quality of education: Adequate funding is necessary to maintain the quality of education in senior high schools. This includes hiring qualified teachers, providing necessary resources and facilities, and implementing effective teaching methods. Sustainable funding ensures that the education system can meet the needs of students and provide them with a high-quality education.

Economic development: Education is a key driver of economic development. By ensuring sustainable funding for free senior high school, Ghana can invest in its future workforce and equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to contribute to the country's economic growth. This, in turn, can lead to a more prosperous and sustainable future for Ghana.

Social development: Education plays a crucial role in social development, helping to reduce poverty, improve health outcomes, and promote social cohesion. By ensuring sustainable funding for free senior high school, Ghana can invest in the well-being of its citizens and create a more inclusive and equitable society.

Consequently, ensuring sustainable funding for free senior high school in Ghana is essential for promoting access to education, maintaining quality, driving economic development, and fostering social development. It is crucial for the future of Ghana and its citizens and must be a priority for policymakers and stakeholders.

It is as a result of these benefits that former President John Dramani Mahama, the 2024 presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress, has not only pledged to ensure that there is sustainable funding for Free SHS if he becomes the next president, but has also promised to expand the Free SHS program to private senior high schools.

Private schools often have better facilities, resources, and teacher-student ratios compared to public schools, so allowing students to attend these schools for free could provide them with a higher-quality education.

Additionally, including private schools in the program could promote competition and drive improvements in the overall education system.