In order to improve the Free SHS program’s long-term viability and give graduates organized routes to higher education or the workforce, presidential candidate Alan Kyerematen has revealed a daring concept.
Mr. Kyerematen stressed the necessity of a thorough examination of the strategy to guarantee its goals are completely achieved when speaking at the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation’s Presidential Encounters 2024 on November 22, 2024.
He said, “I don’t think any government would end the Free SHS program; it’s a great policy.” The crucial question, “After Free SHS, what next?” is raised by the program’s existing lack of plans for life beyond SHS, he warned. Free education without defined career paths for graduates, according to Mr. Kyerematen, reduces the policy’s potential impact.
Under his Great Transformational Plan (GTP), he laid out changes to close this gap, concentrating on five main areas: curriculum improvement, infrastructure development, financial sustainability, teacher capacity building, and reintegrating graduates into postsecondary education and the workforce.
Regarding financial sustainability, Mr. Kyerematen emphasized the necessity of assessing financing sources in order to guarantee the program’s ongoing existence. He urged stakeholders to address the policy’s financial feasibility by asking, “Where are we going to find the money to sustain this?” He also drew attention to the serious deficiencies in school infrastructure, such as subpar classrooms, residence halls, and instructional spaces. He claimed that by addressing these issues, the program’s educational environment and quality would both increase.
Development of curricula was another crucial aspect. Mr. Kyerematen questioned if the current curriculum gives pupils the abilities they need for the job market or prepares them for the needs of the modern economy. “We must consider what we are teaching kids as part of the Free SHS initiative. Is it facilitating their entry into the workforce? He also underlined how important it is to increase the capacity of both teaching and non-teaching workers. Key concerns included preparing administrative personnel to run schools efficiently and training teachers to provide high-quality instruction.
Mr. Kyerematen has suggested creative GTP pathways to guarantee Free SHS graduates are suitably equipped for life beyond school. A mandatory one-year apprenticeship and internship program that offers practical instruction and certification in artisanal and entrepreneurial skills is at the heart of his strategy. The goal of this program is to assist graduates in discovering their strengths and acquiring useful skills that meet industry demands.
Mr. Kyerematen has suggested that graduates who are interested in entrepreneurship have access to government programs that provide capital, resources, and mentorship to start and expand firms. He claimed that doing this would encourage a new generation of youth-led businesses, which would lower unemployment and increase economic activity. Additionally, he launched the Health Screening Booths Scheme, which allows graduates to run booths on a work-and-pay basis while providing necessary medical services and earning a steady income. This program addresses healthcare accessibility in underserved areas in addition to creating career possibilities.
For people who want to work in national security, Mr. Kyerematen has pledged to establish specific recruitment channels for the security services. To remove financial barriers, the government would provide financial help to graduates who wanted to continue their study. Additionally, through the apprenticeship program, some graduates may choose to continue honing their abilities at their host institutions after discovering their talents during internships. In order to facilitate their smooth transition into full-time positions or advanced training, the government will offer financial support to these persons.
Additionally, Mr. Kyerematen blasted the disregard for basic and pre-basic education, contending that these fundamental levels are as important to secondary education. “We discuss Free SHS as though the foundation is irrelevant. To guarantee that children are adequately prepared for SHS and beyond, basic and pre-basic education must be strengthened, he stated.
During the meeting, Alan also announced a new policy to make digitization and digitalization more widely accepted, promising to set up 100,000 free satellite internet hotspots across the country. These hotspots are positioned in critical locations, such as all secondary schools, with the goal of offering smooth, telecom-independent connectivity. Teaching and learning will be transformed by this project, which will also greatly help young people, especially content producers who are struggling with the high cost of data. A digital revolution is expected to be sparked by Alan Kyerematen’s plan for free satellite internet access, enabling Ghana’s future generation to prosper in a technologically advanced society.
In addition to granting access to education, Mr. Kyerematen’s proposed reforms aim to give students the resources and chances they require for success. By focusing on sustainability, quality, and results, he hopes to turn the Free SHS policy into a tool that enables graduates to make significant contributions to the advancement of the country. Mr. Kyerematen provides a forward-thinking and pragmatic answer to Free SHS’s problems with his GTP, guaranteeing that no graduate is left behind.
