Free SHS policy not only maintained but strengthened – Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has assured Ghanaians that the Free Senior High School (SHS) programme remains fully intact.

He noted it has received greater support under his administration.

Addressing journalists at his first media encounter in Accra on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, the President dismissed suggestions that the policy was at risk ahead of the 2024 general elections.

“Contrary to the widespread misinformation that was circulated before December 7, 2024, the Free SHS has not only been maintained; we’ve made the highest budget allocation in the history of the policy as of now,” Mahama stated.

He explained that the government has earmarked GHS 3.5 billion for Free SHS in 2025, describing it as the single largest investment since the programme’s inception. According to him, the allocation underscores his administration’s determination to safeguard the future of Ghanaian students and expand access to secondary education.

Mahama said the investment is part of his broader reset agenda aimed at building an inclusive society where education opens opportunities for every Ghanaian child. He stressed that access to education is central to national development and must not be compromised for political reasons.

In addition to education, the President announced a major boost in healthcare spending for 2025, revealing that the national health budget has been increased by 13.4 percent.

“This bold step reflects our recognition of the need to strengthen Ghana’s healthcare system in the face of both domestic demands and global health risks,” he explained.

According to him, the health budget has risen from GHS 15.6 billion to GHS 17.8 billion, representing one of the largest single-year increases in recent history. Mahama said the move demonstrates the government’s commitment to building a stronger, more resilient healthcare system capable of serving all citizens.

The President maintained that both the Free SHS and the expanded healthcare budget are proof of his administration’s focus on social investment, which he described as the most important pathway to long-term national progress.

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“When we invest in education and health, we are securing the human capital that will drive Ghana’s future growth and prosperity,” Mahama concluded.