President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo says that since assuming office in 2017, he has prioritized education as a cornerstone of his government’s agenda, implementing policies and programs aimed at transforming the educational landscape of Ghana.

Speaking during his award of a 5th honorary doctorate from Valley View University, the President highlighted the remarkable strides his administration has made in the education sector.

“One of the most notable achievements is the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy, launched in 2017. This bold initiative aimed to remove financial barriers that previously prevented many young Ghanaians from continuing their education beyond junior high school. Education has been a cornerstone of my administration’s agenda,” he stressed.

He pointed out that the Free SHS policy had enabled over five million Ghanaian children to pursue secondary education, with a record high enrolment of 503,000 students this year.

The President highlighted the substantial budgetary allocations made to the education sector, totaling GH¢12.88 billion. These funds, he said, had been used to improve infrastructure, provide teaching and learning materials, and support various educational programs that enhance the quality of education at all levels.

“Our attachment to education is further reflected in the unprecedented budgetary allocations we have made to the sector,” he stated.

He also outlined various interventions aimed at improving the quality of education. These include teacher training programs, curriculum reforms, and the introduction of digital tools and resources to enhance teaching and learning.

He noted that by investing in the professional development of educators and modernizing the educational system, the government aims to lay a strong foundation for the future of the nation.

“We have launched several interventions aimed at improving the quality of education and ensuring that every child receives a holistic and well-rounded education,” the President said.

Additionally, the President highlighted efforts to support tertiary education. “The ‘No Guarantor’ policy under the Student Loan Trust Fund has significantly increased access to higher education by eliminating the requirement for a guarantor.

“This policy has empowered students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue their educational aspirations without undue financial burden. The number of students seeking tertiary education has risen from 443,978 in the 2016/2017 academic year to 711,695 in the 2022/2023 academic year,” he added.

He said the government had decided to establish four new universities in Mampong, Akrodie, Bunso, and Kintampo, and expand facilities in existing ones to accommodate the growing number of tertiary students.

He explained that these initiatives are part of the government’s strategy to achieve a 40% Gross Tertiary Enrolment Ratio by 2030, up from the current 18.84%.

“The educational reforms carried out by the Akufo-Addo Government have also encompassed tertiary education, materially advancing access, infrastructure development, and STEM initiatives across the country,” the President noted.

President Akufo-Addo reaffirmed his commitment to making education a cornerstone of national development.