The Director of Communications for the governing (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, has credited the Free Senior High School (FSHS) policy with a 35.1 percent increase in student enrolment in the Volta Region, a milestone he described as vital for the region's development.
Addressing a press conference on the "abuse of the electoral loyalty of the Volta Region" on October 30, 2024, at the NPP's Regional Headquarters in Ho, Ahiagbah underscored that the FSHS policy has eased the financial burdens on families, particularly empowering female students to continue their education. "The Free SHS policy has been transformative for the Volta Region, lifting financial constraints that previously prevented many families from sending their children to school, especially girls," Ahiagbah stated. "Today, we have achieved gender parity at the SHS level, thanks to this policy, which ensures that girls have equal access to secondary education." According to Ahiagbah, the policy's impact on gender parity represents a significant step forward for the region and underscores the NPP's commitment to equitable education access.
Ahiagbah highlighted that the 35.1 percent increase in enrolment is a strong indication of the Volta Region's potential to thrive educationally and economically if given the right support. "Increasing enrolment figures is about more than just numbers; it's about investing in the future of this region," he remarked. "An educated population is the foundation of development, and by removing financial barriers, we are building a more skilled and empowered workforce for the future." Responding to claims by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Ahiagbah addressed what he called "deceptive propaganda" concerning the double-track system implemented initially to accommodate the influx of students entering secondary school.
Critics, including NDC representatives, have argued that the system's staggered schedule contributed to an increase in early pregnancies among female students.