Ghana’s Vice-Presidential Candidate Touts Free Senior High School Policy at University of Memphis
Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, running mate to Ghana’s Presidential Candidate Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, addressed the academic community at the University of Memphis, highlighting the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) achievements in education.
Prempeh, a former Education Minister, emphasized the impact of Ghana’s Free Senior High School (SHS) program, launched in 2017. The policy has increased access to education, with over 5 million beneficiaries and a significant reduction in dropout rates.
Key achievements include:
- Halving the rate of students failing to take up their SHS placement from 35% to 17%
- Introduction of the Double Track system to accommodate additional students
- Improved enrollment transition rates, particularly in Northern regions
- Enhanced teacher education and continuous professional development
- Significant improvement in core subject performance, with over 60% of candidates obtaining qualification grades
Prempeh stressed the importance of equity, ensuring children from disadvantaged backgrounds access top schools. The 30% equity policy reserves spaces in elite schools for public basic school students.
Ghana’s investment in education has made it a stellar example in Africa. Prempeh expressed pride in contributing to this legacy, emphasizing the NPP’s commitment to improving lives through education.
“Education is key to a progressive, productive country and essential for development.” – Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh
The event was attended by the Executive Director of the Centre for International Education Services, Deans of Faculties, members of the Academic Discourse Community, Leadership of the African Student Association, Ghanaian students and international students.
Prempeh’s speech underscored the NPP’s vision for education, prioritizing access, equity and quality. His visit to the University of Memphis reinforced the partnership between Ghana and the institution, fostering educational cooperation and exchange.
