- Gov't spends GH¢9,000/Free SHS student.
- TVET students get over GH¢9,000.
- Education for employment and equality.
- Long-term benefits outweigh costs.
Kofi Ofosu Nkansah, CEO of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), has made a striking revelation about the government’s investment in education. According to him, the government spends approximately GH¢9,000 on each student enrolled in the Free Senior High School (SHS) program.
This significant investment covers educational expenses across various public schools, ensuring that financial barriers don’t hinder access to secondary education. The Free SHS program has been a game-changer for many Ghanaian students, providing them with opportunities they might not have had otherwise.
In addition to Free SHS students, Nkansah disclosed that the government allocates over GH¢9,000 per Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) student. This amount is slightly higher than the investment in SHS students due to the specialized nature of TVET education.
TVET education requires additional resources for practical training and technical equipment, making it more expensive than traditional secondary education. However, the government recognizes the importance of equipping students with technical skills to drive industrial growth.
The primary goal of investing in TVET education is to empower students with the necessary skills to excel in technical fields and contribute to Ghana’s economic development. By doing so, the government aims to reduce unemployment and foster innovation.
Nkansah highlighted that these expenditures align with the government’s broader vision of improving access to education and building a skilled workforce. Education remains a top priority for the current administration, playing a vital role in Ghana’s socioeconomic transformation.
Despite the significant expenditure, Nkansah expressed confidence that the long-term benefits of the Free SHS and TVET programs would far outweigh the costs. He emphasized that continued investment in education would yield a more skilled and educated population.
This, in turn, would drive national development and innovation. Nkansah’s statement underscores the government’s dedication to empowering future generations. As he aptly put it, “People who cannot save 10,000 cedis their entire life are getting their children educated for free. Impacting generations.”
The government’s investment in education is substantial, with a significant portion of the national budget allocated to the sector. This commitment to education is expected to have a lasting impact on Ghana’s development.
The government’s investment in Free SHS and TVET programs demonstrates its prioritization of education and commitment to building a skilled workforce. By providing quality education to all, Ghana is poised for growth, innovation, and socioeconomic transformation.
