Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the running mate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has vigorously defended the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy during a speech at the University of Memphis.
Prempeh, also known as NAPO, highlighted the significant improvements in educational outcomes and equity achieved through the policy.
He emphasized that Free SHS has increased access to education, particularly for underprivileged students, and debunked claims that it has compromised the quality of education.
As the former Minister of Education during the policy’s rollout, NAPO stressed that the initiative has strengthened academic performance and bridged educational inequality across Ghana.
He pointed out that the program has enabled more students to pursue secondary education without the financial burdens that previously limited many Ghanaian families.
Prempeh further praised the long-term benefits of the Free SHS policy, arguing that it is an essential investment in the country’s future. He emphasized that the policy has helped shape a well-educated and skilled workforce capable of driving national development.
“The equity component of the Free SHS program has been crucial,” Prempeh said. “Beyond removing financial barriers, we actively ensured that children from disadvantaged backgrounds could access our top schools.” He highlighted the introduction of the 30% equity policy, which reserves 30% of spaces in top schools for students from public basic schools.
Prempeh concluded by emphasizing the positive impact of the Free SHS policy on gender parity and the overall improvement in educational outcomes in Ghana.
