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Free SHS in its current state is a disservice – Prof. Addae-Mensah
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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
Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana’s Department of Political Science, Dr. Joshua Jebuntie Zaato says the imprisonment of the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, will have little meaning unless it leads to a broader crackdown on illegal mining.
In a post on his Facebook page on the July 21, 2026, Dr. Zaato said the judgment should mark the beginning of efforts to completely eradicate galamsey and hold all those involved accountable, regardless of their political affiliation.
He said the country must work towards restoring polluted rivers, protecting forests and ensuring that people implicated in illegal mining activities are prosecuted.
According to him, those the President has publicly acknowledged to be involved in galamsey should face prosecution.
He called for the prosecution of district chief executives (DCEs), members of Parliament (MPs) and senior political party officials who have been accused of engaging in or supporting illegal mining.
Dr. Zaato further urged the government to take decisive action to end the destruction of the country’s forests caused by galamsey.
He maintained that the imprisonment of Chairman Wontumi would only have a lasting impact if it results in a comprehensive and impartial fight against illegal mining across the country.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Government of Ghana has expressed profound sadness over the passing of His Majesty Yaa Naa Abukari Mahama II, King of Dagbon.
In a statement issued on Monday, President John Dramani Mahama, on behalf of the Government, extended his deepest condolences to the Royal Family, the people of Dagbon, and the entire nation.
“The Government of Ghana has received with profound sadness the news of the passing of His Majesty Yaa Naa Abukari Mahama II,” the statement said.
President Mahama described the late King as a distinguished traditional ruler whose reign was defined by healing, reconciliation, and lasting peace in Dagbon following years of conflict.
The statement noted that His Majesty’s “unwavering commitment to unity, stability, and the welfare of his people created an enabling environment for development”and strengthened the partnership between traditional authorities and Government in advancing progress across Dagbon and Ghana.
The Government paid tribute to the life and legacy of Yaa Naa Abukari Mahama II, and honoured his invaluable service to the nation.
“May his wisdom, leadership, and dedication to peace continue to inspire future generations. May his soul rest in perfect peace,” the statement concluded.
The passing of Yaa Naa Abukari Mahama II marks the end of an era for Dagbon, which saw significant strides in unity and development under his leadership.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
