Former Education Minister Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum has revised the number of beneficiaries of Ghana’s Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy, citing an accounting error.
Speaking on Joy News’ AM Show on Friday, February 14, Dr. Adutwum explained that the initial figure of over five million beneficiaries was inaccurate.
“It was some accounting error that happened. Unfortunately, it took us some time to discover that in education, we shouldn’t be using the numbers as so articulated by the finance ministry. There was an error in the figures previously mentioned, and I take full responsibility for that. The correct number of beneficiaries stands at 3.5 million.”
The corrected number of beneficiaries highlights the significant impact of the policy. Dr. Adutwum acknowledged the mistake and emphasized the importance of accurate data in education.
Despite the error, Dr. Adutwum hailed the Free SHS policy as a game-changer in Ghana’s education sector.
“Free SHS has changed the trajectory of education in Ghana, and we must do everything possible to ensure its continuous improvement.”
He also underscored the policy’s role in expanding access to secondary education and easing financial burdens on families.
Dr. Adutwum further emphasized the transformative impact of the policy, stating, “The Free SHS policy has transformed education in Ghana, allowing millions of students to pursue their dreams without the worry of school fees.”