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Free SHS Policy transforms 5.7 million lives in Ghana- President Akufo-Addo tells World leaders at UN
Ghana’s President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has hailed his government’s flagship Free Senior High School (SHS) policy as a transformative initiative that has benefitted 5.7 million young people in the country, many of whom would have otherwise been denied the opportunity to receive a quality education.
Launched in 2017, the Free SHS policy has been a cornerstone of President Akufo-Addo’s administration, aimed at removing financial barriers to secondary education in Ghana. By covering the full cost of secondary education for all eligible students, the policy has significantly expanded access to schooling for children from all walks of life, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Speaking at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, President Akufo-Addo outlined the profound impact the policy has had on the nation’s youth and called for a global commitment to ensuring access to education for all children.
“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.
He said, “This initiative has transformed the lives of millions, positioning the next generation of Ghanaians to take their place as leaders in the global economy.”
“This is just the beginning,” the President said, expressing his belief that access to education should not be limited by geography or circumstance.
He went further to say, “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.
As he nears the end of his presidency, President Akufo-Addo’s message to the international community was clear: education is not just a right, but a critical tool for development and empowerment.
He said, “The decisions we make today will shape the future of our world,” he said, urging global leaders to act with courage and compassion to ensure that “no one is left behind.”
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Sammy Awuku urges Fourth Estate to follow GJA Code of Ethics when holding duty bearers accountable
The Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Samuel Awuku, has called on the Fourth Estate to strictly adhere to the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Code of Ethics when reporting on public officials and state institutions.
In a statement issued on 25 September 2025, Mr Awuku said a recent publication by the Fourth Estate about the National Lottery Authority’s (NLA) Good Causes Foundation misrepresented facts about projects undertaken during his time as Director-General.
According to him, the article created the impression that funds meant for the underprivileged were diverted to “glamorous events and questionable enterprises” but ignored many life-saving projects, donations and community interventions funded by the Foundation.
He reminded journalists that Article 1 of the GJA Code of Ethics obliges them to provide factual, balanced and accurate information to the public and to cross-check their facts before publication. “For journalists of the Fourth Estate’s calibre who pride themselves in working in the public interest, it is only appropriate that their publications are factual and not misleading,” he stated.
Mr Awuku explained that the NLA Good Causes Foundation was established in October 2021 to rebrand the Authority’s corporate social responsibility arm and focus on health, education, youth and sports development, and arts and culture.
He said that during his tenure the Foundation built 20-seater toilet facilities with mechanised boreholes in several communities, funded surgery for a baby with spinal bifida, donated incubators and medical supplies to hospitals, constructed a smart laboratory for the Borstal Institute, provided scholarships to needy students, and supported football clubs and cultural festivals, among other projects.
Mr Awuku added that the Foundation was funded through the Caritas Lottery Platform, which generated about GHS11 million between October 2021 and December 2024 after its relaunch.
He dismissed claims that the Authority spent heavily on awards and luxury events, explaining that sponsorships accounted for only about five per cent of expenditure and were intended to attract corporate stakeholders and raise revenue. He also said many award nominations were turned down and that any awards received were not “bought” but recognised the work of his management and staff.
The MP expressed concern about the publication of the names of NLA staff and other beneficiaries, including patients, saying this violated their privacy.
Mr Awuku concluded that he served with integrity and helped turn the NLA’s losses into profits and urged the Fourth Estate and other media houses to present a full and balanced picture when holding duty bearers accountable.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Businessman Richard A. Jakpa has petitioned the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service.
He is accusing former Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame of trying to get him to give false evidence in court.
In his petition dated July 23, 2025, Mr. Jakpa said he is the third accused person in an ongoing trial involving former Deputy Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson.
According to Mr. Jakpa, Mr. Dame contacted him after the prosecution closed its case and allegedly urged him to cooperate and testify in a way that would implicate Dr. Forson.
He further alleged that on March 26, 2024, Mr. Dame called him and suggested how he should answer questions about Letters of Credit during cross-examination, and even advised him to seek a false medical excuse to delay proceedings.
This, Mr. Jakpa mentioned, he refused to do so.
The businessman is asking the CID to investigate what he describes as an attempt to fabricate evidence and undermine the court process.
The former Attorney-General has not yet publicly responded to the allegations.
By: Jacob Aggrey
