The Akufo-Addo government will continue with the implementation of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy despite the challenges that have characterized the process.
President Akufo-Addo who said this, admitted the infrastructure and financial difficulties associated with the policy but pointed out that, development comes with its own challenges, thus he will not succumb to pressure.
Addressing students and staff of the Sawla SHS in the Savanna Region, President Akufo noted that, nations that have succeeded in transforming the lives of their people from poverty to prosperity are those that have put education at the heart of their national policy.
“So I made up my mind the minute I came into office, that no matter the difficulties in the face of the policy, the lack of adequate infrastructure, not enough money, whatever be the case, I am determined to start and begin the policy,” he said.
The President said his promise to make senior high school free was not to win votes but to transform the lives of Ghanaians from poverty to prosperity.
“I made it clear to the people of Ghana that if you elect me, free senior high school will become a reality. It was not about getting votes, it was about telling the Ghanaian people the path to development and prosperity,” he emphasized.
Currently, beneficiary schools are battling with limited accommodation and classrooms to facilitate teaching and learning.
Addressing the gathering, the Headmaster of Sawla SHS appealed to the president to construct school infrastructure as the existing facilities are unable to meet the increasing number of students enrollment due to the policy.
“We humbly request for the construction of very critical and urgently infrastructure which include classrooms, dormitories, science computer laboratories, teachers Bungalow”.
President Akufo-Addo also inspected ongoing works of the Sawla District hospital.
The Free Senior High School policy was a major campaign promise of then-candidate Akufo Addo, a promise he has since implemented after winning power in the 2016 elections.
The main opposition party NDC has often opposed the policy pointing out infrastructural deficits and saying free senior high school education needed to be implemented “progressively.”
