Few policies in Ghana’s history have sparked as much debate, admiration, and hope as the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) initiative introduced by the Nana Akufo-Addo-led NPP government. For millions of Ghanaian families, Free SHS represents far more than just an education policy; it is a lifeline, a beacon of hope, and a promise of a brighter future for children who would otherwise have been left behind.
I write this as someone whose life has been shaped by a similar initiative in the past. I am a proud beneficiary of the Northern Scholarship during my time at Tamale Senior High School. Growing up in the northern parts of Ghana and later working within communities in this region, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of education. However, I have also seen how financial constraints can crush the hopes of not only a brilliant pupil but an entire family—and potentially a whole generation—when the opportunity for education is lost due to financial difficulties.
For families like mine, education has always been the key to bridging the poverty gap and unlocking opportunities that would otherwise remain unattainable. When Free SHS was introduced, it felt like a reaffirmation of the values that underpinned Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s free education policy for Northerners—a bold, inclusive policy that did not discriminate based on financial standing.
It is within this context that I approach the news of Hon. Haruna Iddrisu’s nomination as Education Minister with mixed feelings. On one hand, his credentials, experience, and charisma are undeniable. On the other hand, his past comments advocating for a conditional approach to Free SHS raise serious concerns about the future of the policy in its current form, especially as his nomination appears all but finalized.
Yes, it is true that the implementation of Free SHS has not been without challenges. Indeed, the policy has faced criticisms ranging from inadequate infrastructure to logistical hiccups and questions about sustainability. However, its universal nature has been its greatest strength, ensuring that no child is left behind because their parents cannot pay school fees. Hon. Iddrisu’s views on a conditional approach—an opinion strongly supported by his political party and echoed by a few others—pose a significant threat to this universality and, by extension, to the transformative power of the policy itself.
Let us unpack the stakes of this nomination, which might otherwise have been widely celebrated, and explore why the future of Free SHS must remain a policy for all Ghanaians, particularly the most vulnerable.
The Transformative and Universal Vision of the Free SHS under former President Nana Akufo-Addo
At its core, the Free Senior High School policy is a reflection of a larger vision—a commitment to social equity and national development. When His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the President of the Republic of Ghana, boldly launched the initiative, he articulated a principle that resonated deeply with many Ghanaians:
“People who can afford to pay fees for the education of their wards should send them to fee-paying private schools. Public schools that are funded by the taxpayer should be free to all who will otherwise be unable to pay for their education.”
This statement not only underscored the policy's universal nature but also reaffirmed the belief that public resources should serve the public good. Free SHS was designed to eliminate financial barriers and create a level playing field for all Ghanaian children, irrespective of their socioeconomic backgrounds.
For children in rural and underserved communities, this policy has been nothing short of a lifeline. It represents the promise of a future unshackled by the chains of poverty. The ability to access quality education without the burden of fees has allowed many families to focus on other pressing needs while ensuring that their children’s potential is not stifled by economic hardship.
However, Free SHS is more than just an education policy—it is a social equalizer. By closing the education gap between the rich and the poor, it diminishes systemic inequities that have long plagued Ghanaian society. It ensures that the child of a subsistence farmer in a remote village has the same opportunity to learn and succeed as the child of a business magnate in the city.
To some extent, it has also contributed significantly to eliminating or minimizing child labor, head porters, house helps, begging on the streets, and other forms of social menace. By ensuring that most children are now off the streets and in school, the policy has not only transformed individual lives but also reduced societal vulnerabilities. Children who once roamed the streets in search of menial work or survival now have the chance to dream, learn, and aspire for a brighter future.
This universal approach is critical because it does not label or stigmatize beneficiaries. Every child, regardless of their financial standing, is given equal access, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose among Ghana’s youth. It breaks the cycle of dependency on political or financial favors for education and empowers individuals to rise based on their abilities and efforts.
The challenges faced in the policy’s implementation—be it in funding, infrastructure, or logistics—are valid and merit attention. But these issues should be addressed as opportunities for improvement, not as justifications to dilute the universality of the program. The policy’s foundational principle—that education is a right, not a privilege—must remain sacrosanct.
This vision of Free SHS aligns with the ideals of inclusivity and empowerment that have historically driven Ghana’s greatest advancements. It is a policy rooted in the belief that no child should be denied an education due to financial hardship, and it has the potential to uplift millions of lives and shape a more equitable society.
Mixed Reactions to Hon. Haruna Iddrisu’s Nomination
Free SHS is more than just an education policy—it is a social equalizer that has the power to transform the lives of millions of Ghanaians, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. It stands as a testament to the belief that every child, regardless of their financial circumstances, deserves access to quality education. This universal approach has been the backbone of the policy, ensuring that no child is left behind simply because their parents cannot afford school fees.
Hon. Haruna Iddrisu’s past remarks advocating for a conditional Free SHS policy pose a direct threat to this vision of educational equity. By suggesting that families with the means to pay should be excluded from the policy, he risks dismantling the very foundation of what makes Free SHS impactful—its inclusivity.
His nomination as Education Minister by His Excellency John Dramani Mahama has sparked significant conversation across the nation. For many, this appointment represents an opportunity to leverage Hon. Iddrisu’s vast political experience, legal expertise, and track record as a capable leader. However, for others, including myself, his prior statements advocating for a conditional Free SHS policy evoke concern.
Hon. Haruna Iddrisu’s impressive rise from humble beginnings to becoming one of Ghana’s most prominent politicians is a testament to the transformative power of education. As someone who benefited from Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s free education policy for Northerners, Hon. Iddrisu has firsthand knowledge of how inclusive policies can uplift individuals and communities. His success story mirrors that of many Northerners who owe their achievements to this groundbreaking initiative.
It is this shared history that makes his past remarks about conditionality in Free SHS all the more troubling. Hon. Iddrisu has argued that the policy should prioritize the poor, suggesting that families with the means to pay school fees should not benefit from the program. While this perspective may seem pragmatic on the surface, it risks undermining the very principles that make Free SHS a revolutionary policy.
Education policies that require financial assessments or conditional criteria often create unnecessary bureaucratic bottlenecks and stigmatize beneficiaries. More importantly, they erode the universality that ensures every child feels equally valued. This approach could inadvertently reintroduce systemic barriers, leaving many deserving students behind while fostering social divisions.
As a Northerner, I understand how the Northern Scholarship scheme under Dr. Nkrumah was instrumental in leveling the playing field for all Northerners, irrespective of their parents’ financial status. Leaders like His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, the late Vice President Aliu Mahama, and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia are products of this inclusive approach. The policy’s success lay in its simplicity and universality—it did not discriminate, and its impact was profound.
If Hon. Iddrisu’s conditional approach to Free SHS were to be adopted, it could reverse the progress made in expanding access to education across the country. The poorest families, who often lack the resources to navigate complex administrative requirements, would be the most disadvantaged. Moreover, the sense of unity and shared opportunity fostered by the universal Free SHS policy could be lost, creating a divide between those deemed "worthy" and those excluded.
This is not to say that Hon. Iddrisu’s concerns about sustainability are unfounded. Indeed, the financial and logistical challenges of Free SHS are significant and require innovative solutions. However, the answer lies in improving efficiency, addressing funding gaps, and strengthening oversight—not in introducing conditionality that could undermine the program’s objectives.
Let us not forget that Free SHS, in its current form, has already transformed countless lives and created opportunities for students who might have otherwise been excluded from secondary education. It has lifted millions of families from the brink of despair, given children a sense of purpose, and contributed to the development of Ghana’s human capital.
Hon. Haruna Iddrisu’s nomination presents a critical moment for Ghana’s education sector. As he prepares to assume this crucial role, it is imperative that he reflects deeply on the impact of Free SHS and the potential consequences of altering its universal nature. Will he build on the legacy of inclusivity and equity that the policy represents, or will he steer it toward exclusivity and conditionality? The stakes could not be higher.
Conditional Education Policies Are a Threat to Educational Equity
History has shown us the dangers of conditional education policies. Before the introduction of Free SHS, countless children were sent home for unpaid fees, leaving them at the mercy of systemic poverty and inequality. This approach disproportionately affected rural and underserved communities, where parents struggled to make ends meet. By removing these barriers, Free SHS has created opportunities for children who would otherwise have been trapped in a cycle of poverty.
Introducing a conditional element to the policy could reintroduce these barriers, perpetuating the very inequalities that Free SHS seeks to eliminate. Families that fall just outside the poverty line but still struggle to afford education could be excluded, leaving their children without access to secondary education. Moreover, the stigma associated with means testing could discourage some families from even applying, further widening the gap between the privileged and the underprivileged.
So, my worry and sadness stem from those who advocate that Free SHS should not benefit all and that we should allow those who can pay to pay, while only those who cannot afford it benefit. Others propose that only day school students should benefit or, even worse, that Grade A and B schools be excluded from Free SHS.
Why do I worry? My worry stems from the fact that the moment we introduce a criterion for determining who benefits from Free SHS, we open the door to corruption, the potential collapse of the system, and an ever-widening gap between the rich and the poor.
Take, for example, the current state of other scholarship schemes like the Cocoa Scholarship, the Ghana Government Scholarship, and GETFund. These were originally designed to support poor and brilliant students who could not afford education. But today, what do we see? It is predominantly the children of the “big men,” influential families, and even wealthy public officials who benefit from these schemes, while the intended beneficiaries—the poor and vulnerable—are sidelined.
In 2020, for instance, an investigative report revealed that the GETFund had awarded scholarships to well-connected individuals, including Members of Parliament, high-ranking government officials, and their children, to pursue studies abroad. These scholarships, which were meant to support students with financial needs, ended up financing the education of people who could easily afford it. One glaring case involved a Deputy Minister receiving funding for a postgraduate program abroad, even though their official income and lifestyle clearly indicated they didn’t need the support. Meanwhile, deserving but poor students were left out.
This systemic failure illustrates the risks of introducing any conditionality to Free SHS. What happens to the brilliant but needy child from Eggu in the Upper West Region who dreams of attending a Grade A or B school but cannot afford it? Must having money be the sole determinant of access to quality education in Ghana?
Beyond the individual impact, a conditional approach could have broader societal implications. Education is a powerful tool for national development, and limiting access to it risks stifling Ghana’s progress. Free SHS has contributed significantly to reducing child labor, head portering (“kayayei”), domestic servitude, and street begging, especially among children in urban areas. These social menaces have diminished as more children are off the streets and in school. Conditional policies threaten to reverse these gains, pushing vulnerable children back into these exploitative circumstances.
Hon. Haruna Iddrisu’s past remarks advocating for a conditional Free SHS policy raise legitimate concerns. While his arguments about sustainability are valid, they must not come at the expense of the policy’s universal nature. The solution lies in addressing the challenges within the current framework—improving infrastructure, addressing funding gaps, and ensuring accountability—not in fundamentally altering the scope of Free SHS.
As Ghanaians, we must remain vigilant and advocate for policies that promote equity and inclusivity. Free SHS is a lifeline for millions of children and families, and its universal approach must be preserved to ensure that education remains a right, not a privilege. We cannot afford to let corruption and inequality undermine a policy that has already transformed so many lives.
To those in power, especially Hon. Haruna Iddrisu: the future of Free SHS is a test of your commitment to equity, justice, and progress. Protecting and enhancing this policy will cement your legacy as a leader who championed the right to education for every Ghanaian child, irrespective of their background.
The Larger Implications
The introduction of Free SHS has had a transformative impact on Ghanaian society, extending far beyond the boundaries of education. It has been a powerful social equalizer, bridging the gap between the privileged and the underprivileged. By giving every child an equal opportunity to access quality secondary education, the policy has provided a pathway for breaking the cycle of poverty that has plagued many families for generations.
However, the implications of Free SHS transcend education. Its ripple effects can be seen in multiple facets of society:
- Economic Empowerment: Free SHS has reduced the financial burden on parents, particularly those in rural and underserved communities. Families that would have otherwise spent their meager earnings on school fees can now invest in other areas such as healthcare, agriculture, or small businesses. This economic empowerment has the potential to improve the overall standard of living and reduce poverty levels.
- Reduction in Child Labour and Social Menaces: The policy has significantly minimized social issues like child labor, head portering (kayayei), and street begging. By ensuring that children are in school rather than on the streets, Free SHS has helped address some of the root causes of these problems. The sight of children hawking goods or engaging in menial labor has become less common, as education now provides them with a more promising alternative.
- Enhanced National Unity and Social Mobility: Free SHS has brought children from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds together under one roof, fostering unity and mutual respect. It has also enhanced social mobility, enabling children from humble beginnings to rise to leadership positions and contribute meaningfully to national development.
- Reduced Dependency on Politicians and Elites: Before the introduction of Free SHS, many families relied heavily on politicians and influential individuals to sponsor their children’s education. This dependency not only reinforced inequality but also perpetuated a culture of patronage. Free SHS has shifted this dynamic, empowering parents to rely on a government system that serves everyone equally.
- National Development and Workforce Readiness: An educated populace is the backbone of any thriving nation. By producing a larger pool of secondary school graduates, Free SHS is equipping Ghana with a more skilled and capable workforce. This prepares the nation to compete globally and address challenges in critical sectors such as healthcare, technology, and agriculture.
Given these wide-reaching benefits, any attempt to undermine the universality of Free SHS poses a threat not only to education but to the broader social and economic fabric of Ghana. Hon. Haruna Iddrisu’s previous stance on conditionality could potentially unravel these gains, reversing the progress made in creating a more equitable society.
To preserve and enhance these benefits, it is crucial to build on the successes of Free SHS by addressing its challenges without compromising its inclusivity. Infrastructure gaps, teacher shortages, and funding issues require targeted solutions, not a rollback of the policy’s universal approach.
The stakes are high. Free SHS represents a commitment to building a Ghana where every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to succeed. Diluting this commitment would be a step backward for the nation, undermining years of progress toward social justice and economic empowerment.
Addressing Hon. Haruna Iddrisu’s Criticisms
While Hon. Haruna Iddrisu has not outrightly opposed the Free SHS policy, his critiques and suggestions for conditionality have raised important questions about sustainability and equity. These concerns are worth examining, but they must be addressed within the framework of preserving the policy’s universal nature.
Sustainability Concerns
One of Hon. Iddrisu’s primary criticisms has centered on the financial sustainability of the Free SHS policy. It is no secret that the policy has placed a significant strain on government finances, leading to challenges such as delayed payments to schools and inadequate infrastructure. These are legitimate concerns that require pragmatic solutions. However, introducing conditions for access, such as means testing, would undermine the core principle of equity that the policy embodies.
Instead of eroding the universal nature of Free SHS, sustainability can be achieved through alternative measures:
- Diversifying Funding Sources: The government could explore partnerships with private sector actors, NGOs, and international development organizations to supplement funding. Public-private partnerships in education have proven successful in other contexts and could provide a steady stream of resources for Free SHS.
- Improving Efficiency: Addressing inefficiencies in the current system, such as mismanagement of resources and overpricing of supplies, can free up funds for critical areas like infrastructure and teacher recruitment.
- Tax Policy Adjustments: A targeted tax policy, such as levies on luxury goods or increased corporate taxes, could provide additional revenue to sustain Free SHS without burdening the average Ghanaian.
Equity Versus Exclusivity
Hon. Iddrisu and his supporters have suggested that Free SHS should be made conditional to ensure that only those who truly need it benefit. While this idea may seem logical on the surface, it is fraught with challenges:
- Stigmatization: Means testing could stigmatize children from low-income families, creating divisions within schools and undermining the sense of equality that Free SHS fosters.
- Administrative Complexity: Implementing a conditional system would require a bureaucratic infrastructure to assess and verify family incomes, leading to potential delays, errors, and corruption.
- Exclusion Risks: Many families, especially in rural areas, may be excluded from the system due to a lack of proper documentation or awareness, further marginalizing vulnerable populations.
Free SHS’s universal approach avoids these pitfalls by ensuring that every child has access to education, regardless of their family’s financial situation. This inclusivity is not just a moral imperative—it is a practical one. Education should be a right, not a privilege, and the universal nature of Free SHS safeguards this right for all Ghanaian children.
Hon. Iddrisu’s Role as a Potential Education Minister
As the likely incoming Education Minister, Hon. Iddrisu has a unique opportunity to address the challenges of Free SHS without compromising its universality. His background and experience position him to lead reforms that strengthen the policy rather than weaken it. He can focus on:
- Infrastructure Development: Partnering with the private sector and international donors to build more classrooms, dormitories, and other essential facilities.
- Teacher Recruitment and Training: Increasing the number of trained teachers and providing them with the resources they need to succeed.
- Curriculum Modernization: Ensuring that the curriculum is relevant to the needs of the modern workforce, equipping students with practical skills for the 21st century.
By addressing these issues, Hon. Iddrisu can leave a legacy as a reformer who improved Free SHS for the benefit of all Ghanaians. His role should not be to question the policy’s inclusivity but to build on its successes and make it even better.
A Call to Hon. Haruna Iddrisu
As Hon. Haruna Iddrisu prepares to assume the crucial role of Ghana’s Education Minister, he stands at a crossroads that will define not only his legacy but also the future of education in Ghana. This moment calls for a leader who will prioritize the dreams and aspirations of the millions of children and families who depend on the Free SHS policy.
Reflecting on the Past
Hon. Iddrisu himself is a product of the transformational power of education. As a beneficiary of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s free education policy for Northerners, he is a living testament to the impact of inclusive and far-reaching educational policies. That policy did not discriminate based on financial status—it provided equal opportunities for all Northerners, paving the way for individuals like him to rise to national prominence.
Dr. Nkrumah’s policy planted seeds of hope that have borne fruit across generations. It is no exaggeration to say that the success stories of countless Northerners, including past presidents and vice presidents, are deeply rooted in this legacy of inclusivity.
Building on the Vision of Free SHS
Free SHS is the modern embodiment of that vision. By eliminating financial barriers to secondary education, it has opened doors for children who might otherwise have been excluded due to poverty. It has bridged the educational gap between rural and urban areas and has become a powerful tool for reducing inequality in Ghana.
Hon. Iddrisu must not lose sight of these achievements. Rather than introducing conditionality or exclusivity, his focus should be on:
- Strengthening the Foundations: Addressing the challenges of infrastructure, logistics, and teacher shortages to ensure that Free SHS remains robust and effective.
- Expanding Opportunities: Enhancing the policy to include vocational and technical training, equipping students with practical skills for the modern job market.
- Engaging Stakeholders: Collaborating with parents, teachers, and development partners to ensure that Free SHS evolves in a way that meets the needs of Ghana’s diverse population.
A Plea for Equity
Hon. Iddrisu’s past remarks advocating for a conditional Free SHS policy have caused concern among many Ghanaians, myself included. While the intention may be to address sustainability, such an approach risks excluding the very people the policy was designed to uplift. I urge Hon. Iddrisu to resist the pressures of elitist interests and to remain committed to the principles of equity and inclusivity.
The children of Ghana are watching. The poor farmer in Eggu who dreams of a better future for his children is counting on this policy. The single mother in Nima who struggles to make ends meet depends on it. Free SHS is more than just a policy—it is a lifeline, a promise, and a beacon of hope for millions.
Hon. Iddrisu has the opportunity to ensure that this promise is kept. He can be the leader who not only protects the legacy of Free SHS but also strengthens it for generations to come.
Conclusion
Few policies in Ghana’s history have carried as much transformative potential as the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) initiative. It has touched the lives of millions, bridging educational divides, reducing socioeconomic inequalities, and restoring hope to families across the country. Despite its challenges, its universal nature remains its most powerful asset—a feature that ensures no child is left behind, regardless of their family’s financial status.
The nomination of Hon. Haruna Iddrisu as Education Minister is undoubtedly a significant moment in Ghana’s political and educational landscape. His competence, leadership, and track record are indisputable. However, his previous comments advocating for a conditional approach to Free SHS bring a measure of apprehension that cannot be ignored.
This is a pivotal moment, not only for Hon. Iddrisu but also for the millions of Ghanaian children and families who rely on Free SHS to realize their dreams. As he steps into this critical role, he must rise above political pressures and personal biases to prioritize the greater good. He must channel the legacy of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s inclusivity and the vision of H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, ensuring that Free SHS remains a policy for all Ghanaians, especially the most vulnerable.
To Hon. Haruna Iddrisu: your actions as Education Minister will reverberate through generations. You have the power to shape the future of Ghana by safeguarding the dreams of millions of children. Choose to strengthen Free SHS, to address its challenges without compromising its universality, and to be the leader who champions education as a right and not a privilege.
Free SHS is more than an education policy—it is a lifeline, a social equalizer, and a testament to the belief that every child deserves the chance to succeed. Ghana’s future depends on its survival and growth. May history remember Hon. Haruna Iddrisu as the minister who ensured this policy fulfilled its promise to all Ghanaians.
#Puobabangna
By Victor Raul Puobabangna Plance, Eggu, Upper West Region of Ghana