5.7m youth benefit from Free SHS and TVET Policies

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has revealed that approximately 5.7 million young Ghanaians have accessed secondary education through the Free Senior High School (SHS) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) policies, reshaping their futures.
Speaking with pride during his final State of the Nation Address (SONA) to Parliament, President Akufo-Addo highlighted the transformative impact of these initiatives.
“Mr. Speaker, I am proud that we had the courage to implement the Free Senior High School policy at the start of my first term, despite calls for a gradual rollout,” he said.
He expressed satisfaction in dismantling the belief that secondary education was exclusive to certain households, affirming a new era of educational inclusivity.
The President noted significant academic improvements since the introduction of Free SHS. Starting in 2020, when the first batch of Free SHS students sat for the WASSCE, over 50% of candidates consistently achieved grades A1 to C6 across all four core subjects.
This marked a considerable improvement compared to earlier years, when pass rates in core subjects frequently fell below 50%.

TVET and STEM advancements
President Akufo-Addo emphasized his administration’s commitment to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), detailing the establishment of 34 new TVET institutions and the modernization of 62 existing ones to equip young people with contemporary skills.
He highlighted additional investments in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, including the development of 20 STEM centers, 10 model STEM Senior High Schools, and 186 new science laboratories across the nation.
The President underscored his efforts to elevate TVET and STEM education from being perceived as fallback options to prestigious fields that provide critical skills for national development.
“We have spent a lot of resources on education in the past eight years, and I am persuaded that it is money well spent. The long-lasting benefits for our society will provide the justification for the expenditure,” he affirmed.

A legacy of educational transformation
President Akufo-Addo’s administration has redefined educational access and quality in Ghana.
By prioritizing Free SHS and TVET alongside robust investments in STEM, the government has expanded opportunities for millions of young Ghanaians, ensuring a skilled and competitive future workforce.
As he concluded his address, the President expressed confidence that these initiatives will yield enduring benefits, positioning Ghana for sustained growth and prosperity.