By Isaac Arkoh
Cape Coast, Sept 5, GNA – Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, has described Ghana’s Free Senior High School (SHS) programme as the most ambitious social intervention initiative of the Fourth Republic.
Reflecting on the nation’s educational trajectory, the Asantehene highlighted the focus on primary education prior to independence, and later university education.
Nevertheless, secondary education had long been neglected due to financial constraints faced by the state.
The Asantehene was speaking at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) where he received an Honorary Doctorate Degree for his significant contributions to nation-building, peace, and development.
“Undoubtedly, the Free Senior High School programme stands out as a remarkably bold social intervention in our Fourth Republic,” he said.
“The pre-independence initiative for free education encompassed primary schooling and subsequently tertiary education, yet the secondary level remained beyond the state’s means.”
“None of the subsequent reforms had ventured to address this gap; hence, the decision to implement this plan had to be truly ambitious, and it is no surprising that education has remained a central topic in national dialogue.”
The Asantehene emphasised that providing Free SHS aligned with Ghana’s responsibility to ensure universal access to fundamental education for all its citizens.
He contended that if children were to be equipped to compete in the global economy, they should be entitled to the same standard of fundamental education as their counterparts in other areas.
“Given that basic education in other parts of the world includes secondary schooling, it is only equitable that Ghana upgrades its fundamental education to keep pace with the times.”
“Therefore, offering free senior high school education is simply fulfilling the obligation to provide basic education for all.”
Professor Johnson Nyarko Boampong, the Vice Chancellor of UCC, commended the Asantehene’s unwavering commitment to fostering unity, education, healthcare and entrepreneurship.
Asantehene’s noble initiatives, he said, had had a positive impact on numerous individuals across Ghana and beyond.
Prof Boampong described him as embodying compassion, concord and democratic values, underscoring his successful efforts to fostering peace.
Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, the Minister of Education, lauded the Asantehene for his deep understanding and commitment to education, which has significantly improved outcomes.
GNA