Free SHS never faced financial crisis under my watch - NAPO slams critics
The debate over Ghana’s Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme has intensified in recent weeks. Former Education Minister Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, widely known as NAPO, has strongly denied claims that the initiative faced financial troubles during his time in office. He insists the government consistently met its funding commitments to schools.
NAPO led the Education Ministry from 2017 to 2024 under President Nana Akufo-Addo’s administration. He argues that resources were properly allocated to cover essential aspects of the programme, such as student feeding, textbooks, and school grants. According to him, these measures ensured that academic activities ran without disruption.
One of the programme’s key achievements, he notes, was the significant rise in student retention. The surge in enrolment even led to the introduction of a double-track system—not because of funding shortages, but to accommodate the growing numbers. However, financial challenges for Free SHS became apparent after NAPO left the ministry. The current government, led by President John Dramani Mahama since January 2025, has since faced questions about the programme’s long-term funding. Public discussions continue over whether Free SHS can remain sustainable under different administrations.
NAPO maintains that the Free SHS programme was well-funded during his tenure. The system’s expansion, including the double-track approach, was a response to higher student numbers rather than budget shortfalls. Yet, the programme’s financial future remains a topic of national debate.
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