John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has proposed significant changes to the management of the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) program in Ghana.
In a recent interview with the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, he expressed his intention to abolish the Free SHS Secretariat, citing rampant corruption and mismanagement as key issues. Mahama advocates for transferring the program’s oversight to the Ghana Education Service (GES), which he believes is better equipped to handle educational policies effectively.
He argues that integrating the Free SHS program into GES would enhance accountability and streamline operations, reducing waste associated with the current independent secretariat. Mahama emphasized that GES has the necessary authority and expertise to supervise educational initiatives, making a stand-alone secretariat redundant.
He noted, “We all need to sit and look at what the lapses are and see how we can cure those lapses going forward.”
Moreover, Mahama’s vision includes mainstreaming technical and vocational education (TVET) and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education into senior high schools, ensuring a more comprehensive educational framework.
He aims to address existing challenges within the Free SHS policy by implementing structured reforms that promote efficiency and oversight. If elected, Mahama is committed to revitalizing Ghana’s educational system through these proposed changes, fostering an environment conducive to learning and growth.
