I want to be remembered as an ‘Education President’ – Nana Addo

After introducing the flagship Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy in September 2017, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo says he wants to be described as an education president by historians in the future.

“Nothing would give me more honour or more pleasure than if, one day, Ghana’s historians were to describe me as the Education President,” he said speaking at Valley View University after he received his fifth honorary doctorate.

Commenting on the Free Senior High School implementation in his address at the event, Akufo-Addo said the total 503, 000 student enrolment for 2024, was the highest single enrolment at the SHS level in the nation’s history.

The Education President disclosed that over 12 billion Ghana Cedis so far has been spent on the Free Senior High School programme since its implementation in 2017, with more than four million children benefiting from it.

Justifying the implementation of the flagship educational programme, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa said the success chalked had brought in its wake the training of the critical human resources needed for future development.

“The government is also focusing on broadening the base of technical and vocational training and education, as well as Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education. 

To engender quality educational delivery, the Government would continue to invest in teacher training, infrastructural development and resource students and schools with the relevant teaching and learning materials for positive outcomes,” Akufo-Addo assured. 

In a citation to the President, VVU acknowledged him for being instrumental in the campaign for peace in sub-Saharan Africa and regional stability, freedom of the media, and contribution to major reforms to shape Ghana’s legal and foreign policy framework. 

“Your Administration has championed many educational policies,” the citation read, highlighting the Government’s flagship ‘Free Senior High School (SHS)’ programme, which has provided opportunities for many Ghanaian youth to access second-cycle education.

The Valley View University (VVU) citation further pointed out President Nana Akufo-Addo’s reputation for advancing the cause of human rights, freedom of the media, independence of the judiciary and democratic governance. 

In a social media post sighted by Pretertiary.com, His Nana further said “Education has been a cornerstone of my administration’s agenda, best exemplified by the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy launched in 2017.

This bold initiative removed financial barriers, enabling over five million Ghanaian children to pursue secondary education

Our commitment to education was further reflected in unprecedented budgetary allocations, totalling GH¢12.88 billion, which were used to improve infrastructure, provide teaching and learning materials, and support various educational programs that enhance the quality of education at all levels. These efforts underscored our belief that education is the bedrock of national progress and prosperity.”