Haruna Iddrisu: Mahama has no plans to cancel Free SHS

Haruna Iddrisu, the Minister-Designate for Education, has reaffirmed President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to reviewing the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy.

The policy, introduced by the Akufo-Addo administration, was a central theme in President Mahama’s 2024 election campaign, where he pledged to refine and improve it if elected.

Speaking during his vetting by the Appointments Committee of Parliament on January 20, Haruna Iddrisu clarified that the government has no plans to cancel the Free SHS policy.

Instead, he highlighted plans to make the initiative more sustainable and to broaden its scope, ensuring greater benefits for Ghanaians.

Haruna Iddrisu also announced the government’s intention to convene a stakeholder forum to gather insights and recommendations aimed at enhancing the education sector.

“Let me assure this committee that President John Dramani Mahama, has no option to cancel Free SHS. Therefore, those who listen to him, even in the cause of his campaign, he has stated that he will expand Free SHS.

“It was to tell Ghanaians that as President of the Republic, he wants to give 2 million to Article 25 of the 1992 Constitution and Article 38, which spells out the objective of our educational policy.

“Chair, the important thing is that he will subject the Free SHS to a review.”