Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, the Minister of Education, expressed gratitude to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for emphasizing education in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) to Parliament. Dr. Adutwum, also a Member of Parliament for Bosomtwe under the New Patriotic Party (NPP), commended the President's attention to education during an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Parliament House, Accra.
Highlighting the achievements in the education sector, Dr. Adutwum acknowledged the significance of the President's focus on education in the SONA. He particularly praised the government's commitment to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, extending from Junior High Schools (JHS) to Senior High Schools (SHS), with the aim of nurturing and re-training STEM professionals vital for the country's success in the 21st century.
Dr. Adutwum also lauded the Free Senior High School (SHS) Policy as a remarkable initiative that has provided equal educational opportunities to previously underserved students. He noted the unprecedented enrollment of over 500,000 students in Form One and the current total of over 1.4 million students in SHS, attributing these figures to the success of the Free SHS Policy.
In his SONA address, President Akufo-Addo highlighted the transformative impact of the Free SHS Policy, dispelling criticisms and emphasizing its role in unlocking talents and expanding educational opportunities. He celebrated the best West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results in a decade among Free SHS students, emphasizing the potential for producing skilled professionals in various fields.
President Akufo-Addo emphasized the broader societal benefits of increased secondary school education, even for those who may not further their education beyond SHS. He underscored the importance of a more educated workforce in boosting self-confidence and enhancing the nation's human capital.
Article 67 of the 1992 Constitution mandates the President to deliver a message on the SONA to Parliament at the beginning of each session, outlining the state of the nation and proposing legislative measures. The SONA serves as an annual tradition to report on the country's status and set forth the government's agenda for the upcoming year.
