Free SHS policy is ‘destiny changing’ – Ofori-Atta

The flagship free Senior High School (SHS) policy by the Akufo-Addo led government has been described as “destiny changing”.
According to Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, the initiative has given hope to students whom hitherto had no hope of furthering their education.
Ghana has joined the ranks of Norway, Sweden, Germany, Denmark and Finland where one’s parents’ income may not be the decider in the accessibility of secondary education.

The country’s first attempt at making education free was started by first President Kwame Nkrumah after independence for people of northern extraction.
But this one under the Akufo-Addo government has seen all students across the country benefiting   and parents of over the 400,000 students have been relieved of the burden of funding their education at the senior high level.

Delivering the 2018 budget statement in Parliament, the Finance Minister said he is proud to be part of such a history.
These achievements for Ken Ofori-Atta is “heartwarming when a parent walks up to you and says ‘thank you for putting money in my purse because she did not have to pay 2,000 for her two daughters in SHS.”
On Education
The Finance Minister said government Education sector strategy will be guided by Global Education 2030 agenda and targets, defined by SDG 4.

“We will have a focus on teacher development and accountability, improved quality of teaching and learning at all levels and equitable access at all levels”
To improve the quality of basic education and equip the Ghanaian child with basic literacy, numeracy and critical thinking skills, he said the Minister of Education has commenced the process for the review of the basic level curriculum to emphasize the 4 Rs.
“Government is implementing measures to ensure Continuous Professional Development of teachers through registration and licensing of teachers under the Pre-Tertiary Teacher Professional Development and Management scheme
“The number of basic schools increased at all levels. KGs increased by 5.4%, primary 5.4% and JHS 7% between 2015/2016 and the 2016/2017 academic years” Mr. Ofori Atta added.