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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.”
The Majority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for South Dayi, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, says Parliament and government officials are working closely with authorities in the Netherlands following the detention of the Member of Parliament for Asante Akyem North, Kwame Ohene Frimpong.
Speaking on the matter on Channel One news yesterday, Mr. Dafeamekpor disclosed that the MP was detained at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam on Sunday while travelling on a private trip.
According to him, Mr. Frimpong personally informed him about the incident around 5 a.m. on the day of the arrest.
He said the issue was immediately escalated to parliamentary leadership and other state officials for intervention.
Mr. Dafeamekpor explained that the Majority Leader, who was in transit at Heathrow Airport in London at the time, travelled to Schiphol to engage the detained MP and better understand the situation.
He added that the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ghana’s Ambassador to The Hague, the Attorney General, the Speaker of Parliament and the Clerk to Parliament had all been involved in efforts to address the matter.
According to him, a Ghanaian lawyer based in The Hague and qualified to practise there has also been engaged to represent the MP.
“The lawyer is dealing with the issues, but let me confirm that he is fine,” Mr. Dafeamekpor stated.
He noted that Parliament and the legal team were still waiting for official documents, including an authenticated copy of the arrest warrant and other details from Dutch prosecutors handling the matter.
The South Dayi MP therefore urged the media and the public to avoid speculation until all facts surrounding the case are confirmed.
“We want to urge all the media houses not to be throwing in things that have not been confirmed,” he said.
Mr. Dafeamekpor further explained that Parliament’s involvement was partly because the MP was travelling with a diplomatic passport.
He noted that extradition and detention cases involving political figures are not uncommon internationally, citing examples such as former Chilean leader Augusto Pinochet and Julian Assange.
According to him, authorities are hopeful the matter can be resolved for the MP to return to Ghana safely.
He appealed to the MP’s family, colleagues in Parliament and the public to remain calm while diplomatic and legal processes continue.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Ghana Water Ltd has announced temporary water supply interruptions in several parts of western Accra following technical challenges at the Weija Water Treatment Plant.
In a press release issued on May 13, the company explained that the challenges had affected water production and distribution in some communities.
According to the management of the company, residents in areas including Dansoman, Mamprobi, Mataheko, Laterbiokorshie, Korle Bu, La Paz, MacCarthy Hill, Gbawe, Mallam, Tesano, Darkuman, North Kaneshie, Dome, Achimota, Anyaa and Ablekuma may experience low water pressure and erratic water supply.
Management noted that engineers and technical teams were working to fix the problem and restore normal water supply as soon as possible.
The company advised consumers to store water whenever there is flow in their communities in order to manage the temporary disruption.
It urged essential service providers to contact their Assembly Members or the Ghana Water Ltd Call Centre for assistance.
The company apologized to customers affected by the situation and appealed for calm and cooperation while efforts continue to resolve the challenge.
By: Jacob Aggrey
