Mahama introduced progressively free SHS; Akufo-Addo made it fully free but it was poorly implemented – Franklin Cudjoe

Founding President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe has indicated that it is true former President John Dramani Mahama introduced the progressively free Senior High School (FSHS) programme.

In the past week, there has been a debate about which president started Free SHS in the country.

Last Sunday when John Dramani Mahama engaged the media in Accra, he said people forget he is the one who introduced Free SHS when they try to make it seem he will cancel the programme when re-elected president.

Days later, President Akufo-Addo replied to the former president at a rally when he said John Mahama is now claiming to be the pioneer of the programme after years of criticism.

Amid the debate, Franklin Cudjoe has today stated that indeed John Dramani Mahama introduced progressively free SHS.

He was, however, quick to add that President Akufo-Addo continued to make it fully free for Ghanaians.

The only challenge he argued is that President Akufo-Addo’s government poorly implemented the programme.

“True, John Dramani Mahama introduced progressively free shs. Nana Addo continued to make it fully free but was poorly implemented,” Franklin Cudjoe said in a post on Facebook.

He said it is important that the programme is improved in all areas.

“We need to improve quality, infrastructure, books, teaching and build the productive base of the economy. Good to know a free SHS bill to fix challenges is in the offing. It must be thoroughly debated and solutions must include means testing to support only those in critical need,” Franklin Cudjoe said.