Education Minister Commends Impact of Free SHS, Calls for Action on Regional Disparities

The Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, has commended the transformative impact of Ghana’s Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy while emphasizing the need to address regional disparities in access to education.  

Speaking at the National Tertiary Education Conference held at the University of Ghana, Dr. Adutwum highlighted a remarkable 95% transition rate from junior high school (JHS) to senior high school (SHS) in the Northern Region last year. In contrast, he expressed concern over the Volta Region, where the transition rate stood at 76%, underscoring the uneven benefits of the Free SHS initiative across the country.  

“If we do not address equity at the pre-university level, achieving an equitable tertiary education environment will remain challenging,” Dr. Adutwum stated, warning that affirmative action may be required if the disparities persist.  

The conference also focused on the pending Free Secondary Education Bill, which is currently under review in Parliament. Dr. Adutwum described the legislation as a crucial step toward achieving free, universal secondary education. Once passed, the bill is expected to strengthen the policy framework for equitable access to education and foster nationwide development.  

Prof. Abdullai Ahmed Jinapor, Director-General of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission, echoed Dr. Adutwum’s sentiments, emphasizing the vital role of tertiary education in Ghana’s development. Citing World Bank research, Dr. Adutwum stressed that higher education is a critical driver of human capital growth, innovation, and social mobility, all essential for global competitiveness.  

The Free SHS policy, introduced in 2017, has significantly increased enrollment in secondary education, but regional disparities in infrastructure, resources, and socio-economic factors remain a challenge. Dr. Adutwum called on stakeholders to collaborate in addressing these challenges to ensure that all regions benefit equally from the initiative.  

The conference served as a platform for education stakeholders to deliberate on policies aimed at improving access, equity, and quality in Ghana’s education system, reaffirming the government’s commitment to education as a catalyst for national development.