The Central Role of Free SHS in Ghana’s Economy: Addressing the NDC’s Misguided Narrative

The NDC, upon realizing free SHS is going to be a central theme for voters, is now spending energy arguing that policy is not the economy. Their attempt to separate the free SHS policy from the economy reflects a misunderstanding of how social policies impact economic performance or a deliberate attempt to mislead Ghanaians. The free SHS policy just as other educational programmes are not merely social interventions; they have far-reaching economic implications.

One crucial way by which the free SHS policy is in fact the economy is that it directly affects public expenditure. By absorbing tuition and other educational costs, the government reallocates a significant portion of its budget to fund this initiative. This expenditure impacts fiscal planning, influences debt management, and affects the overall economic health of the country. This, claim that free SHS is unrelated to the economy ignores its role in shaping government priorities and financial strategies.

In addition, the free SHS since it's inception has contributed and will continue to contribute to human capital development which is a critical driver of economic growth. Increasing access to secondary education enhances the skill set of the future workforce, improving productivity and innovation potential. By investing in the education of our young ones, they are better equipped to contribute to the economy, and adapt to the emerging industrial revolution.

The free SHS policy also has indirect economic benefits. It alleviates financial pressure on households, allowing families to redirect savings or increased income toward consumption or investment. This increased economic activity can stimulate growth in various sectors. Additionally, the programme generates employment through the expansion of school infrastructure and the recruitment of teachers, further contributing to the economy.

In conclusion, a robust economy requires investments in both physical and human capital, and the free SHS is central to this balance. Recognizing its economic impact is essential for crafting holistic policies that promote sustainable development. Thus, the NDC’s propaganda about the free SHS not being the economy is clearly naive and/or a deliberate ploy to deceive Ghanaian voters and should be disregarded.

Written by:
Dr. Issah Imoro
(issahwuni@gmail.com)

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