Deputy Minister-Designate for Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, has reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy, dismissing speculation about its cancellation.
During the parliamentary vetting session, Hon. Ampem emphasized that the flagship education program remains a priority, ensuring access to secondary education for millions of Ghanaian students.
Free SHS policy was launched in 2017 to abolish tuition fees for public senior high schools and absorbed costs for textbooks, uniforms, and meals. Over 1.6 million students have since benefited even though the initiative has faced funding challenges, infrastructure deficits, and overcrowding in schools.
Public sentiment towards the Free SHS policy is overwhelmingly positive. A recent Afrobarometer report indicates that 85% of Ghanaians support the continuation of the program, reflecting its widespread acceptance and the critical role it plays in national development.
Thomas Nyarko Ampem, who has served as the Member of Parliament for the Asuogyaman Constituency since 2017, brings a wealth of experience to his role as Deputy Minister-Designate for Finance.
His background includes positions such as Chairman of the Budget Committee and member of the Finance Committee, where he has been instrumental in overseeing and scrutinizing government spending.
Deputy Minister-Designate for Finance, responding to questions from Parliament’s Appointments Committee, stated:
“The Free SHS policy is non-negotiable. It has transformed lives and will continue to be a cornerstone of our development agenda. The government is implementing “targeted reforms” to address bottlenecks without compromising accessibility.
Hon. Thomas Ampem assured that the Ministry of Finance is collaborating with the Education Ministry to streamline funding through the annual budget and strategic partnerships. He cited the “progressively efficient” use of the double-track system and digital enrollment platforms as steps to reduce costs.
The Deputy Minister-Designate hinted at plans to expand infrastructure and teacher recruitment to improve service delivery.
“We’re not just sustaining Free SHS; we’re enhancing it,” he said, adding that investments in technical and vocational training under the policy will align education outcomes with labor market needs.
Story by Freedom Lavoe.
