Free SHS has been a game changer– Former GES Deputy Director

By Emmanuella Sarfo-Ntow September 10, 2025

Former Deputy Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Dr. Kwabena Bempah Tandoh, has lauded the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy, describing its impact on Ghana’s education system as “tremendous.”

Speaking in an interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Channel One TV’s Face to Face on September 9, Dr. Tandoh commended the policy, introduced by former President Nana Addo for drastically improving access to secondary education across the country.

“Over the past 8 years, the Free SHS has been a game changer. It has really provided access to education for millions of young men and women.”

Dr. Tandoh acknowledged the determination and consistency of former President Akufo-Addo in pushing the initiative forward, noting that the programme has opened doors for students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds by removing financial barriers to education.

“It’s quite appropriate that we recognise the persistence of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. Free SHS has been tremendous,” he stated.

The policy, which was rolled out in 2017, remains one of the most far-reaching education reforms in Ghana’s recent history, with both praise and criticism from various stakeholders.

Dr. Tandoh’s remarks add to the growing chorus of support for the programme’s impact on educational equity.

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Emmanuella Sarfo-Ntow
I am Emmanuella Sarfo-Ntow. I am a publisher and a writer with a keen eye for clarity and tone.Also passionate about impactful storytelling.

Emmanuella Sarfo-Ntow

I am Emmanuella Sarfo-Ntow. I am a publisher and a writer with a keen eye for clarity and tone.Also passionate... See More