The Vice President and flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, emphasized the remarkable progress in Ghana’s education sector since the introduction of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy.
Speaking to the people of Nandom on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, during his constituency-focused tour, Dr. Bawumia detailed how enrolment in senior high schools has surged from 800,000 to 1.4 million students, with a notable increase in female students and improved pass rates, showcasing the transformative impact of the policy.
Dr. Bawumia, speaking on the policies under his government, stated that there has been an increase in enrolment in senior high schools, with more girls compared to boys now attending. He also highlighted the improved success rate of students in the WASSCE performance.
Enrolment in free senior high school has increased from 800,000 to 1.4 million students. Just think about it. From independence to 2016, that’s 60 years of Ghana’s history. After independence, we had 800,000 students, but in just seven years of Free SHS, we’ve added 600,000 more
Today, there are more girls than boys in senior high school, and they are performing exceptionally well. The pass rate in the WASSCE examination for six subjects has improved from 45% in 2016 to 64% in 2023.
Critiquing the opposition, he stated that if their government had listened to Mahama, the Free SHS would not have been implemented. He also mentioned how their government is currently providing a tablet to every student.
If we had listened to John Mahama, would we have Free SHS? No, he does not believe in it. We introduced Free SHS, and today we are giving every student in Free SHS a tablet. Every student in secondary school will have their tablet with all their textbooks. We are taking education into the 21st century for all of Ghana.
Dr. Bawumia also emphasized the NPP’s commitment to advancing education through STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
We have already established six STEM schools. The NPP is moving Ghana forward
In addition to educational reforms, Dr. Bawumia outlined other achievements under the NPP administration, including the introduction of free TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) education, the implementation of the One Constituency, One Ambulance initiative, and advancements in digitalization.
