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President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has praised his administration’s Free Senior High School (SHS) program as a game-changer that has helped 5.7 million youth in the nation many of whom would not have been able to afford a top-notch education otherwise.
During the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York, President Akufo-Addo discussed the policy’s significant effects on the country’s young and urged a worldwide commitment to guaranteeing all children’s access to school.
“Our flagship Free Senior High School policy has benefitted 5.7 million young people, many of whom would have been denied the opportunity to learn, to dream, and to succeed,” President Akufo-Addo told the global assembly. “This initiative has transformed the lives of millions, positioning the next generation of Ghanaians to take their place as leaders in the global economy.”
One of the main initiatives of President Akufo-Addo’s administration has been the Free SHS policy, which was introduced in 2017 and aims to eliminate financial obstacles to secondary education in Ghana. The program has greatly increased access to education for kids from all backgrounds, especially those from underprivileged homes, by paying the whole cost of secondary education for all qualifying students.
“This is just the beginning,” the President said, expressing his belief that access to education should not be limited by geography or circumstance. “We need a global commitment to ensure that every child, no matter where they are born, has access to quality education. A world where children are left unprepared for the challenges ahead is not a just world.”
The President’s comments come at a time when many countries, particularly in the developing world, are grappling with educational inequities exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing economic challenges. In his address, President Akufo-Addo emphasized that education is a key driver of development, economic growth, and social mobility, and that investing in human capital is critical to addressing global poverty and inequality.
In Ghana, the Free SHS policy has been widely praised for its impact on educational outcomes and its role in leveling the playing field for students from all socioeconomic backgrounds. According to government data, enrollment in secondary schools has increased significantly since the policy’s implementation, with many students who would have dropped out due to financial constraints now able to complete their education.
President Akufo-Addo’s remarks at the UN also highlighted other key initiatives his government has undertaken to ensure that “no one is left behind” in Ghana’s development. In addition to the Free SHS policy, he pointed to the Agenda 111 project, which aims to construct 111 hospitals across the country, particularly in underserved and remote areas. “This is part of our broader goal of ensuring that no one in Ghana is left without the basic right to health,” he said.
The President also noted the success of the Programme for Planting for Food and Jobs, which has boosted food security and created jobs for millions of Ghanaians. He described the initiative as “a clear demonstration that, with the right policies and investments, we can transform our agricultural sector and ensure that no one goes hungry.”
Looking beyond Ghana’s borders, President Akufo-Addo urged world leaders to prioritize investments in education, healthcare, and economic development, arguing that these are the foundations of a just and equitable society. “True peace comes from investing in education, healthcare, and economic development,” he said.
President Akufo-Addo made it plain to the world community as he drew to a close that education is not only a right but also an essential instrument for growth and empowerment. He declared, “The decisions we make today will shape the future of our world,” calling on international leaders to take brave and humanitarian actions to guarantee that “no one is left behind.”
The Free SHS policy, which has improved millions of people’s lives in Ghana, is evidence of the ability of fearless, forward-thinking leadership to combat inequality and create a better future for all. President Akufo-Addo’s legacy as a defender of social justice and human development is unwavering as he continues to push for universal access to education on a worldwide scale.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com
