Former Education Minister Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum has clarified that 3.5 million students have benefited from Ghana‘s Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy since its launch, correcting an earlier claim of over five million.
Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show on Friday, February 14, Dr Adutwum acknowledged the error in figures he had previously stated, taking full responsibility for the miscalculation.
“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.
Despite the misstatement, he highlighted the policy’s impact on increasing access to secondary education and easing financial burdens on Ghanaian families.
“The Free SHS policy has transformed education in Ghana, allowing millions of students to pursue their dreams without the worry of school fees,” he said.
Dr. Adutwum, who served as Education Minister from 2021 to 2024, reaffirmed the significance of the initiative and called on stakeholders to continue supporting it.
“Free SHS has changed the trajectory of education in Ghana, and we must do everything possible to ensure its continuous improvement,” he stated.
