Presidential aspirant Alan Kyerematen has unveiled a bold plan to reform the Free SHS program, addressing its long-term sustainability and providing structured pathways for graduates to transition into tertiary education or the job market.

Speaking during the Presidential Encounters 2024 hosted by the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation on November 22, 2024, Alan Kyerematen emphasised the need for a comprehensive review of the policy to ensure its objectives are fully realiseds.

"The Free SHS program is a great policy, and I doubt whether any government would discontinue it," he noted. However, he cautioned that the program, in its current form, lacks provisions for life after SHS, posing the critical question: "After Free SHS, what next?"

Mr. Kyerematen argued that providing free education without clear pathways for graduates undermines the policy's potential impact.

To address this gap, he outlined reforms under his Great Transformational Plan (GTP), focusing on five key areas: financial sustainability, infrastructure development, curriculum improvement, capacity building for educators, and transitioning graduates into tertiary education and the workforce.

On financial sustainability, Mr. Kyerematen stressed the need to evaluate funding sources to ensure the program's continuity. "Where are we going to find the money to sustain this?" he asked, urging stakeholders to address the policy's financial viability.

He also highlighted the significant infrastructure deficits in schools, including inadequate classrooms, dormitories, and teaching facilities. Addressing these challenges, he said, would enhance the learning environment and improve the quality of education under the program.

Curriculum development was another critical area. Mr. Kyerematen questioned whether the current curriculum prepares students for modern economic demands or equips them with the skills needed for the job market. "We need to ask ourselves, what are we teaching them under the Free SHS program? Is it helping them transition into the world of work?" He further emphasised the need for capacity building for teachers and non-teaching staff. Training educators to deliver quality education and equipping administrative staff to manage schools effectively were identified as key priorities.

To ensure Free SHS graduates are adequately prepared for life after school, Mr. Kyerematen has proposed innovative pathways under the GTP. Central to his plan is a compulsory one-year apprenticeship and internship program, which will provide hands-on training and certification in artisanal and entrepreneurial skills. This initiative aims to help graduates identify their talents and develop practical skills aligned with market demands.

For graduates interested in entrepreneurship, Mr. Kyerematen has proposed access to government programs offering funding, mentorship, and resources to establish and grow businesses. This, he said, would foster a new generation of youth-led enterprises, reducing unemployment and boosting economic activity.

Moreover, he also introduced the Health Screening Booths Scheme, where graduates can operate booths on a work-and-pay basis, delivering essential health services while earning a stable income. This program not only creates job opportunities but also addresses healthcare accessibility in underserved areas.

For those aspiring to careers in national security, Mr. Kyerematen has committed to creating dedicated recruitment pathways into the security services. Meanwhile, graduates wishing to pursue higher education would receive financial support from the government to remove financial barriers.

Besides, through the apprenticeship program, some graduates may discover their talents during internships and choose to continue developing their skills at their host institutions. For such individuals, the government will provide financial backing to ensure they transition seamlessly into full-time roles or advanced training.

Mr. Kyerematen also criticised the neglect of basic and pre-basic education, arguing that these foundational levels are just as critical as secondary education. "We talk about Free SHS as if the foundation doesn't matter. Strengthening basic and pre-basic education is critical to ensure students are fully prepared for SHS and beyond," he said.

During the encounter, Alan also unveiled a groundbreaking policy to mainstream digitalisation and digitisation, pledging to establish 100,000 free satellite internet hotspots nationwide. These hotspots, strategically located in vantage points, including all secondary schools, aim to provide seamless, telecom-independent connectivity.

This initiative will revolutionise teaching and learning while significantly benefiting the youth, particularly content creators burdened by the high cost of data. Alan Kyerematen's vision for free satellite internet connectivity is set to drive a digital revolution, empowering Ghana's next generation to thrive in a tech-driven world.

Mr. Kyerematen's proposed reforms envision a Free SHS program that not only provides access to education but also equips students with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed.

By addressing sustainability, quality, and outcomes, he aims to transform the Free SHS policy into a platform that empowers graduates to contribute meaningfully to the nation's development. Through his GTP, Mr. Kyerematen offers a practical and forward-thinking solution to the challenges of Free SHS, ensuring that no graduate is left behind.