Former Education Minister Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum has acknowledged that only 3.5 million students have benefited from Ghana’s Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy since it began. Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show on Friday, February 14, he highlighted the policy’s positive impact on increasing access to secondary education and alleviating financial burdens for Ghanaian families.
Dr Adutwum, who served as Education Minister from 2021 to 2024, acknowledged the crucial role the initiative has played in ensuring that more students complete secondary education without financial constraints.“ The Free SHS policy has transformed education in Ghana, allowing millions of students to pursue their dreams without the worry of school fees,” he stated.
During the interview, Dr. Adutwum acknowledged a previous arithmetic error concerning the number of beneficiaries. He clarified that his earlier statement about over five million students was incorrect. “There was an error in the figures I mentioned earlier, and I take full responsibility for that. The correct number of beneficiaries is 3.5 million,” he explained.
Despite the miscalculation, he maintained that the policy remains one of the most significant educational reforms in Ghana’s history. He urged stakeholders to continue supporting the programme to sustain its success, stating, “Free SHS has changed the trajectory of education in Ghana, and we must do everything possible to ensure its continuous improvement.”
By: Ernest K. Arhinful
