Presidential aspirant Alan Kyerematen has introduced an ambitious plan to reform the Free SHS program, aiming to enhance its long-term sustainability and create structured pathways for graduates transitioning to tertiary education or the workforce.
During the Presidential Encounters 2024 event hosted by the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation on November 22, Kyerematen stressed the need for a thorough review of the policy to fulfill its intended goals.
“The Free SHS program is an excellent initiative, and I doubt any future government would abandon it,” he remarked. However, he pointed out that the current framework lacks clear provisions for what happens after SHS, raising the critical question: “What comes next after Free SHS?” He argued that offering free education without defined pathways for graduates diminishes the program’s overall impact.
To address this issue, Kyerematen, founder of the Movement of Change, outlined reforms under his Great Transformational Plan (GTP), focusing on five key areas: financial sustainability, infrastructure development, curriculum enhancement, capacity building for educators, and effective transitions for graduates into higher education or employment.
On financial sustainability, Kyerematen emphasized the importance of reassessing funding sources to ensure the program’s longevity. “How will we finance this initiative going forward?” he asked, urging stakeholders to tackle the policy’s financial viability. He also highlighted significant infrastructure deficits in schools, including insufficient classrooms, dormitories, and teaching facilities, stressing that improving these aspects is vital for enhancing educational quality.
Curriculum development emerged as another crucial focus. Kyerematen questioned whether the current curriculum adequately prepares students for modern job market demands. “Are we teaching them skills that will help them succeed in the workforce?” he inquired, underscoring the necessity of equipping both teachers and administrative staff through targeted training.
To better prepare Free SHS graduates for life after school, Kyerematen proposed innovative pathways, including a mandatory one-year apprenticeship and internship program. This initiative aims to provide hands-on training and certification in vocational and entrepreneurial skills, helping graduates discover their talents and develop practical skills aligned with market needs.
For those interested in entrepreneurship, he suggested access to government programs that offer funding, mentorship, and resources to help start and grow businesses, fostering a new generation of youth-led enterprises and reducing unemployment.
Additionally, he introduced the Health Screening Booths Scheme, allowing graduates to operate health service booths on a pay-per-service basis, creating job opportunities while improving healthcare access in underserved communities.
Kyerematen also committed to establishing dedicated recruitment pathways into national security for graduates interested in that field, and proposed financial support for those seeking higher education to remove economic barriers. Graduates who identify their talents during internships may receive financial assistance to support their transition into full-time roles or further training.
He emphasized the importance of investing in basic and pre-basic education, stating that these foundational levels are crucial for preparing students for secondary education and beyond. “We must strengthen early education to ensure students are ready for the challenges of SHS and further studies,” he asserted.
During the encounter, Kyerematen announced plans to enhance digital access by establishing 100,000 free satellite internet hotspots nationwide. These hotspots will be strategically located in key areas, including all secondary schools, providing seamless connectivity and significantly benefiting the youth, particularly content creators burdened by high data costs.
Kyerematen’s vision for free satellite internet connectivity aims to drive a digital revolution, empowering Ghana’s youth to thrive in an increasingly tech-driven world.
Overall, Kyerematen’s proposed reforms envision a Free SHS program that not only provides educational access but also equips students with essential tools and opportunities for success.
By addressing issues of sustainability, quality, and outcomes, he seeks to transform the Free SHS initiative into a platform that enables graduates to contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s development.
Through his GTP, Kyerematen offers a practical and forward-looking approach to enhancing the Free SHS program, ensuring that no graduate is left behind.
