President Nana Akufo-Addo has said his government will absorb the cost of Senior High School education beginning September 2017.
President Akufo-Addo, who made free education the centre of his campaign promise in the 2012 and 2016 elections said: “By free SHS, we mean that, in addition to tuition which is already free, there will be no admission fees, no library fees, no science centre fees, no computer lab fees, no examination fees, no utility fees; there will be free textbooks, free boarding and free meals, and day students will get a meal at school for free.”
Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the 60th Anniversary celebration of Okuapeman School Saturday, the president added that: “The free SHS will also cover agricultural, vocational and technical institutions at the high school level. I also want to state clearly again that we have a well-thought out plan that involves the building of new public Senior High Schools and cluster public Senior High Schools”.
According to him, he is committed, “without any equivocation, without any reservation, without any doubt”, to take Ghana to the stage where public Senior High School education will be free for every Ghanaian child.”
Touching on Teacher motivation, he said his government will put the interest and well-being of teachers first.
“The views of teachers will be sought on education policy, innovation and implementation. Their professional development and needs will be treated with respect and we shall ensure that teachers’ salaries and allowances are paid regularly and on time,” he said.
He further pledged to institute an affordable housing scheme for teachers and also afford teachers the opportunity to upgrade their skills.
“My administration will also focus on the provision of incentives that will motivate teachers, and reward their hard work in the classroom. The government will collaborate with GNAT, NAGRAT, and other teaching associations to facilitate an affordable housing scheme for teachers. Teachers will be afforded the opportunity to upgrade their qualifications and we aim to make the teaching profession, once again, a proud choice.”
