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Free SHS in its current state is a disservice – Prof. Addae-Mensah
A former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor Ivan Addae-Mensah, says the Free senior high school (SHS) programme in its current state is a disservice to the country.
According to Prof. Addae-Mensah, one of government’s flagship programmes is draining the economy, making it ineffective.
Speaking to JoyNews’ Benjamin Akakpo on the AM Show, Prof Addae-Mensah revealed that in 2012 and 2016, he informed the governing party of the shortcomings of its policy.
However, he said his ideas were described as “incompatible with the President’s objective.”
But presently, he feels vindicated as “some of those people who thought what I was saying was too far-fetched are not the same people singing the song I have been singing.”
Last week, conversations on Free SHS arose when government announced a review of its flagship programmes.
The Free SHS programme was a major campaign promise by then-candidate Nana Akufo-Addo in 2016, which has subsequently become an essential part of the educational system.
There are calls for the gramme to be reviewed because it is not sustainable as it has become a drain on government’s budget even with the economy in crisis.
Meanwhile, Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has assured of government’s commitment to not “rollback” its flagship Free Senior High School (SHS) programme.
This was after Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah revealed that all 16 flagship programmes of government will soon be reviewed to ensure their objectives are well achieved.
To remedy the deficiency, the former Vice-Chancellor advised government to “let those who can afford pay and whatever they contribute will go a long way in helping those who truly need help.
“I don’t know why if I was in a position to send children to school, I don’t see any reason government should pay for the food my child or grandchild should eat in the boarding school.”
Professor Addae-Mensah added his voice to the numerous calls urging government to allow the well-to-do in society to cater for the wards tuition.
Political Scientist at the University of Ghana, Professor Ransford Gyampo, Economist and Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission, Professor Stephen Adei, urging the government to consider a review of its flagship Free SHS policy.
Source: www.myjoyonline.com
The Diaspora Affairs Office at the Office of the President has hosted a delegation of African diaspora women who are in Ghana ahead of a planned Presidential Conferment of Citizenship ceremony.
The Director of Diaspora Affairs, Kofi Okyere Darko, explained in a Facebook post that the visit was a gesture of appreciation by the delegation to the Government of Ghana for its continued efforts to reconnect Africans in the diaspora with their ancestral homeland.
He indicated that the ceremony, scheduled for next Monday, will officially grant Ghanaian citizenship to members of the delegation as part of the country’s broader engagement with the African diaspora.
The delegation was led by Erica Bennett, Founder of the Diaspora Africa Forum.
According to Mr Okyere Darko, her years of advocacy have played an important role in strengthening ties between Africa and people of African descent living abroad.
He noted that the group’s journey towards citizenship represents not only a legal process but also a cultural and spiritual return to their roots.
Also present at the meeting was Natalie Jackson, an attorney who is also expected to receive Ghanaian citizenship during the ceremony. She works closely with renowned civil rights lawyer Ben Crump.
Mr Okyere Darko emphasised that Ghana remains committed to strengthening relationships with the African diaspora and promoting unity, identity, and shared heritage among people of African descent worldwide.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Ghana Tourism Authority is leading Ghana’s participation at ITB Berlin, which opened in Berlin with a vibrant national pavilion highlighting Ghana’s rich cultural heritage, tourism destinations and investment opportunities.
March 5 has been designated as Ghana Day, a special platform to promote Ghana’s languages, cuisine, Kente, festivals and business prospects to the global tourism community. The stand has already drawn strong interest with traditional arts and crafts displays, immersive multimedia presentations and popular Ghanaian snacks.
Seven private-sector players are exhibiting alongside government officials as part of efforts to deepen trade partnerships, expand market access, and attract investment across the hospitality, heritage tourism, ecotourism, and creative arts sectors.
Ahead of the official opening, the Ghana delegation also engaged young Ghanaian investors in Germany in collaboration with V Afrika-Verein and the Ghana Embassy, strengthening diaspora investment linkages and highlighting opportunities within the tourism value chain.
Ghana’s coordinated presence at ITB Berlin 2026 reinforces its strategy to position the country as the Gateway to Africa and a competitive destination for leisure travel and global investment.
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