Akufo-Addo touts transformational impact of Free SHS and TVET in final SONA

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has described his administration's Free Senior High School (SHS) and Free Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes as “transformational,” emphasising their role in reshaping Ghana's education system and preparing the youth for a competitive global landscape.

Delivering his final State of the Nation Address (SONA) to Parliament on Friday January 3, President Akufo-Addo defended the policies against initial criticism, asserting that they have provided access to secondary education for 5.7 million young Ghanaians who would otherwise have been excluded.

“This is one of the rare occasions on which we can use the word transformational without abusing it,” he declared….We have transformed education, and there can never be a reversal of the fact that millions of young people now have opportunities that were previously out of reach.”, he stated.

Record-breaking educational outcomes

The President spotlighted the policy's impact on educational quality, citing unprecedented improvements in performance in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

“English Language pass rates increased from 51.6% in 2016 to 69.52% in 2024…Mathematics pass rates surged from 33.12% in 2016 to 66.86% in 2024…Social Studies pass rates climbed from 54.55% in 2016 to 71.53% in 2024”, he said buttressing his point.

The president further stated that the 2023 WASSCE results were the best in the history of the examination, a testament to the policy’s success in enhancing both access and quality.

Revolutionising TVET and STEM

Akufo-Addo further stressed his administration’s focus on TVET and STEM education as critical to equipping Ghanaian youth with 21st-century skills. 

He added that under his leadership, the government established 34 new TVET institutions, upgraded 62 others, and embarked on groundbreaking STEM projects.

“We have elevated TVET and STEM to their rightful places. They are no longer seen as options for those who couldn’t make the top grade,” he stated.

Other key initiatives included the construction of 20 STEM centers, 10 model STEM senior high schools, and 186 new science laboratories nationwide. The recently commissioned Accra STEM Academy, a flagship institution, was singled out for its cutting-edge facilities designed to foster innovation in robotics, coding, and other technological fields.

Transforming educational infrastructure

Beyond policy, Akufo-Addo highlighted infrastructure upgrades as a cornerstone of his administration’s educational agenda.

He said 80 new educational facilities were commissioned simultaneously across the country, reflecting his government’s commitment to creating conducive learning environments.

“We have set new standards for what kindergartens, primary schools, and junior high schools should look like,” he said. “Our investments in science laboratories, colorful school buildings, and digital tools like computer tablets are ensuring an engaging learning atmosphere.”

Overcoming challenges

While acknowledging the challenges faced in implementing these reforms, the President expressed satisfaction with the progress made and called for continued commitment to sustaining these gains.

“We have spent a lot of resources on education over the past eight years, and I am persuaded it was money well spent,” he remarked. “The long-lasting benefits for society will justify the expenditure.”

Shifting the educational mindset
President Akufo-Addo also reflected on the cultural shift the Free SHS and TVET programmes have triggered, dismantling the notion that secondary education is a privilege reserved for certain households.

“I am proud that we were brave enough to start the Free SHS policy early and remove the belief that secondary education is for a select few,” he noted.