The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has urged for a comprehensive validation of the data regarding the beneficiaries of Ghana’s Free Senior High School (Free SHS) initiative.
During his inaugural visit to the Ministry on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, following his swearing-in by President John Dramani Mahama, Iddrisu highlighted the importance of obtaining precise figures to inform policy discussions and reforms.
“One of the primary issues that the country must examine is the statistical accuracy of the number of Ghanaians who have benefited from Free Senior High School,” he remarked.
The Minister pointed out inconsistencies in the reported figures, referencing his own research, which indicates that approximately 3.9 million students have benefited from the programme. This figure, however, stands in contrast to public records, including parliamentary reports, which suggest the number could be as high as 5.1 million.
“I am not asserting that my figure is definitive, but the 5.1 million estimate is misleading. After reviewing the data from 2017 to 2023, I am convinced that the number of students who have benefited from the Free SHS policy does not exceed 3.9 million. However, I require validation of this data as a starting point,” he elaborated.
Iddrisu emphasized that his goal is not to undermine existing records but to establish a reliable foundation for future policy decisions.
Additionally, he announced plans to organize a National Education Conference aimed at evaluating the current state of education in Ghana and formulating actionable reforms. He stated that the validation of Free SHS data will be a crucial initial step in these discussions.
The Minister’s emphasis on data integrity reflects his dedication to evidence-based policymaking as Ghana endeavors to enhance its education sector.
