Presidential aspirant Alan Kyerematen has unveiled a bold plan to reform the Free SHS programme, addressing its long-term sustainability and providing structured pathways for graduates to transition into tertiary education or the job market.
Speaking during the Presidential Encounters 2024 hosted by the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation on November 22, 2024, Mr Kyerematen emphasized the need for a comprehensive review of the policy to ensure its objectives are fully realized. "The Free SHS programme is a great policy, and I doubt whether any government would discontinue it," he noted.
However, he cautioned that the programme, in its current form, lacks provisions for life after SHS, posing the critical question: "After Free SHS, what next?" Mr Kyerematen argued that providing free education without clear pathways for graduates undermines the policy's potential impact.
To address this gap, he outlined reforms under his Great Transformational Plan (GTP), focusing on five key areas: financial sustainability, infrastructure development, curriculum improvement, capacity building for educators, and transitioning graduates into tertiary education and the workforce.