President John Mahama has assured Ghanaians that his administration will sustain and enhance the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, as part of efforts to improve the country’s education system.
Speaking at the 92nd Annual Jalsa (Convention) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission at Pomadze in the Central Region, the President emphasized his commitment to education as a cornerstone of national progress.
“We will sustain and enhance the free SHS policy,” President Mahama stated during his first public engagement since his swearing-in on Tuesday, January 7. The 2024 Annual Jalsa, themed “Justice and Peace; The Essential Ingredient for National Development,” was attended by key figures including the Ameer and Missionary in Charge of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission, Alhaj Maulana Noor Mohammed Bin Salih.
President Mahama also assured Ghanaians that his government would address overcrowding in schools, complete abandoned projects, and improve Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
He highlighted the government’s commitment to providing quality education at all levels, noting that while strengthening basic education, his administration would continue to enhance the Free SHS policy for the benefit of Ghanaians.
“We will address challenges such as overcrowding to ensure quality education at all levels,” he added.
In addition to the Free SHS initiative, the President shared plans for free tuition for first-year students entering public tertiary institutions. He also emphasized the completion of abandoned e-blocks and other investments to ensure equitable learning opportunities nationwide.
“We shall emphasize technical vocational education and training so that we can produce the skilled manpower needed for business and industry,” he stated.
Furthermore, President Mahama revealed plans to set up a planning committee for a National Education Review Conference. This conference, he explained, would review the entire educational system, from kindergarten through tertiary, and identify barriers to quality education at each level. “I believe that this conference will come out with new ideas to provide us with the outcomes that we need as a nation,” he added.
Alhaj Maulana Noor Mohammed Bin Salih also spoke at the event, emphasizing that Ghanaians were demanding justice for peace to prevail. He stated that the public’s endorsement of President Mahama reflected a desire for practical, fact-based governance rather than empty promises and ideals. “At this time of our history as a people, Ghanaians are demanding justice if we must have peace,” he said.
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