Former Education Minister, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, has acknowledged that only 3.5 million students have benefited from the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) program since its launch.

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In an interview on JoyNews’ AM Show on Friday, February 14, he underscored the policy’s significance in increasing access to secondary education and alleviating the financial pressures on Ghanaian families.

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Having served as Education Minister from 2021 to 2024, Dr. Adutwum recognized the program's crucial role in allowing more students to complete their secondary education without financial obstacles.

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"The Free SHS policy has transformed education in Ghana, allowing millions of students to pursue their dreams without the worry of school fees,” he stated.

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During the interview, Dr. Adutwum recognized an earlier mistake in the figures provided, acknowledging that his previous claim of over five million students was incorrect.

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“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,” he explained.

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In spite of this oversight, he reaffirmed that the Free SHS policy continues to stand as one of the most groundbreaking educational changes in Ghana's history.

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He urged all relevant parties to persist in supporting the program to ensure its continued success, stating,“Free SHS has changed the trajectory of education in Ghana, and we must do everything possible to ensure its continuous improvement.”

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