Free SHS Will Not Be Scrapped –Deputy Finance Minister-Designate Assures Ghanaians
Deputy Finance Minister-Designate Assures Ghanaians of Continued Funding and Improved Implementation of Free SHS
- Nyarko Ampem reaffirms government’s commitment to the policy.
- Pledges to support the Finance Minister in ensuring sustainable financing
- Emphasizes improving policy execution, not scrapping it
Deputy Minister-Designate for Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, has reaffirmed his commitment to the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, making it clear that there are no plans to scrap the programme.
During his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, February 24, 2025, the Asuogyaman MP assured that he would work closely with Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson to secure adequate funding for the policy’s sustainability.
“There is no subtle intention to cancel Free SHS. I will support my minister to provide adequate funding for education,” he emphasized.
Nyarko Ampem clarified that his concerns about the policy lie not in its funding but in its implementation. He reiterated that any future adjustments would be based on national consensus, following discussions at the ongoing National Education Forum.
The forum, launched by President John Mahama on February 18, 2025, seeks to gather public input on enhancing Ghana’s educational system. Ampem assured that President Mahama remains committed to Free SHS, stating, “President Mahama has made it clear he will not cancel Free SHS, and I know he is a man of his word.”
