Free SHS never compromised quality of education

Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the running mate for Ghana’s New Patriotic Party (NPP), has dismissed claims that Free Senior High School (SHS) has diminished educational standards.

Speaking at the University of Memphis on Friday, October 19, Dr. Prempeh, popularly known as NAPO, highlighted how the policy, since its inception in 2017, has dramatically increased access to education, particularly for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Free SHS programme he emphasized has strengthened academic performance and bridged educational inequality across the country.

As the former Minister of Education during the implementation of the policy, NAPO pointed to significant improvements in core subject results from 2015 to 2023.

He noted that for the 2022 and 2023 student cohorts, over 60% of candidates scored A1-C6 in all core subjects, the qualifying grades for tertiary education.

“In fact, the 2023 results are the best in nine years, clearly refuting claims that Free SHS has compromised quality education,” Dr. Prempeh stated.

He further explained that these results were achieved despite criticisms that the policy would erode academic standards.

Dr. Prempeh also underscored the equity aspects of the Free SHS policy, citing the introduction of a 30% equity policy that reserves spots in elite schools for students from public basic schools.

“This affirmative action policy has demonstrated that many such children can excel in elite schools when given a level playing field,” he remarked.

The policy, according to NAPO, has not only improved access but also helped achieve gender parity in enrollment, making the Free SHS programme an essential investment in Ghana’s future workforce.