Free SHS policy has come to stay – Ato Forson

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has reiterated the Mahama administration’s commitment to sustaining and improving the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, emphasizing efforts to enhance funding and quality.

Speaking as the guest of honor at the 66th anniversary of Swedru Secondary School on Saturday, March 22, Dr. Forson announced plans to amend the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) Act to allocate a portion of the fund specifically to support Free SHS.

“Nananom, the Free SHS Policy has come to stay. Free Senior High School has come to stay. President John Dramani Mahama said I should tell you that free education, Free SHS has come to stay,” he declared.

Dr. Forson acknowledged two major challenges affecting the programme—sustainability and quality—and assured that the government is taking steps to address them. He emphasized that adequate funds would be allocated for student accommodation, logistics, and feeding.

“However, there are two challenges that face the implementation of free secondary education. The first is how sustainable the Free SHS should be managed, and the second is the quality of the free SHS education.

“The government would ensure that the funds for the accommodation, logistics, and feeding of students. President said I should inform you that the arrears owed to the Ghana Education Trust Fund for the past 8 years have been paid, as stated in the 2025 budget,” he stated.

Dr. Forson further disclosed that the 2025 allocation for GETFund stands at GHC4.1 billion, with an additional GHC9 billion expected this year. He assured that amendments to the GETFund Act would prevent future diversions of funds, ensuring sustained support for Free SHS.

“The 2025 allocation for Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) is GHC4.1 billion, and this year, it will receive GHC9 billion. We will amend the Ghana Education Trust Fund Act to prevent the government from diverting these funds, ensuring that a portion is used specifically for Free SHS.”

Additionally, he assured parents and students that food supplies in schools would see significant improvements under the new administration.

“Parents, students, President Mahama said I should assure you that the feed will improve this time round.”