Free SHS: We’ve proven that review doesn’t mean cancel – Mahama

President John Mahama has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy.

He stressed that a review of the programme does not equate to its cancellation.

The Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson presented the 2025 budget in parliament on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of deputy ministers, Mr Mahama shared concerns about his stance on Free SHS, he stated that the 2025 Budget has demonstrated the government’s resolve to sustain and improve the initiative rather than abolish it.

“We’ve also proven through the budget statement that review does not mean cancel. Once and for all, for those who don’t understand English, review does not mean to cancel,” Mr Mahama declared in a firm response to critics who have questioned his position on the policy.

A major highlight of the budget is the uncapping of the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), a move that Mr Mahama described as a game-changer in ensuring dedicated funding for Free SHS.

“We have finally found a remedy for the long-lasting problem of the lack of dedicated funds for Free SHS. By uncapping the GETFund, we have freed resources under the single largest allocation to the Free SHS programme an amount of GH¢3.5 billion since the programme started in 2017,” Mr Mahama announced.

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