The Finance Minister, Mohammed Anim Adam, delivered an update on Ghana’s educational landscape during the mid-year budget review at Parliament, highlighting substantial investments aimed at expanding access and enhancing quality in the sector.
The Minister underscored the transformative impact of the Free Senior High School (SHS) initiative, which has been a cornerstone of the government’s education policy.
“Since its inception, over GH¢ 9.9 billion has been allocated to the Free SHS program,” he announced.
This significant financial commitment underscores the government’s dedication to ensuring that every Ghanaian child has access to secondary education, funded primarily through the country’s oil revenues.
Impact and Reach
The Minister emphasized that the Free SHS program has benefited a cumulative total of 5.7 million young Ghanaians to date.
“This initiative has opened doors of opportunity for many who may not have otherwise had access to secondary education,” Minister Adam remarked.
The substantial investment reflects the government’s commitment to reducing educational inequalities and fostering social mobility through accessible and free quality education.
In addition to Free SHS, Minister Adam highlighted complementary efforts aimed at enhancing technical and vocational education (TVET).
“We have enrolled 168,000 students in TVET programs during the 2023-2024 academic year,” – he noted, emphasizing the government’s commitment to equipping the youth with practical skills crucial for the job market.
Furthermore, the construction of 10 STEM Schools and 10 STEM Centres across Ghana demonstrates a proactive approach to nurturing a skilled workforce aligned with modern industry needs.
Beyond financial allocations, Minister Adam outlined the distribution of 900,000 tablets to secondary school students, enhancing digital learning capabilities nationwide. “These investments in infrastructure and resources are pivotal in ensuring that our educational system meets global standards,” he affirmed.
Highlighting educational outcomes, Minister Adam celebrated the notable improvement in WASSCE performance, citing 2023 as the best year since 2015. This achievement, he attributed, underscores the effectiveness of ongoing reforms and investments in improving educational quality and outcomes.
Mohammed Anim Adam’s detailed presentation highlighted Ghana’s significant financial commitments to advancing education and ensuring equitable access to quality learning opportunities.
Ghana | Atinkaonline.com| Ebenezer Madugu