Let’s Improve Free SHS Instead of Arguing – Akufo-Addo
During his State of the Nation Address in Parliament on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo emphasized why debates surrounding the Free Senior High School (SHS) initiative should cease. He asserted that the initiative’s success has silenced its critics, urging for a focus on enhancing it further.
Expressing satisfaction, President Akufo-Addo highlighted the remarkable achievement of the 2023 cohort of Free SHS students, who attained the best West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results in a decade. He emphasized this as evidence that concerns about lowering standards were unfounded.
Addressing the Speaker of Parliament, President Akufo-Addo stressed the holistic approach to education beyond Free SHS. He underscored the importance of collaboration among Kindergarten, Primary School, and Junior High School to establish a solid educational foundation and fortify the Free SHS policy.
Furthermore, the President outlined comprehensive reforms within the education sector aimed at enhancing learning outcomes. He emphasized the importance of equipping every child with literacy and numeracy skills by the end of primary six. To this end, a National Standardized Test for numeracy and reading skills is now conducted at primary four to identify and support at-risk students.
President Akufo-Addo highlighted the Ghana Educational Outcome Project (GEOP), a collaborative effort with development allies to support 72,000 out-of-school children. Through GEOP, these children receive educational assistance and are facilitated in transitioning into formal schooling.
Regarding STEM education, President Akufo-Addo reiterated the government’s commitment to improving STEM education at the pre-tertiary level. He mentioned the successful completion of over 17,340 out-of-school children in a STEM program, resulting in their integration into formal education. The program’s success was recognized with the GOVTECH PRIZE at the World Government Summit in Dubai, in February 2024.
Story by: Paulina Mbroh / Ahotoronline.com
