Mahama Pledges Dedicated Funding for Free SHS to Ensure Long-Term Sustainability

Former President John Dramani Mahama has committed to establishing a dedicated funding source for Ghana’s Free Senior High School (SHS) policy to enhance its sustainability and consistent delivery. Addressing Christian leaders in Kumasi on Monday, November 11, Mahama reaffirmed his support for the Free SHS program, underscoring its critical role in expanding educational access.

Contrary to claims that he intends to cancel Free SHS, Mahama dismissed such allegations as mere “political gimmicks,” insisting that his priority is to secure the program’s funding for future generations. “Free SHS has come to stay,” he stated, “it has increased access to education, but we must secure its funding to guarantee its continuation.”

The meeting, titled Mahama Fellowships with the Clergy, Kumasi Edition, gathered Christian leaders from various denominations across the Ashanti Region, highlighting the importance of collaboration in advancing education.

Mahama’s pledge aligns with Article 25 (1b) of the 1992 Constitution and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4, which emphasize equitable and quality primary and secondary education for all. He added that the proposed funding would address concerns about the program’s viability, ensuring that more Ghanaian children benefit from quality secondary education.