Prof. Peter Twumasi, of the Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), in Kumasi, has said it is only the Free Senior High School policy that has touched all households in Ghana.
“Of all Ghana’s constitutionally mandated and equitable distribution of government services to the citizenry, it is only the FREE SHS policy that has touched all households in rural areas and cities alike,” he said.
The former Director-General of the National Sports Authority emphasised that “this educational transformation of the citizenry has never happened since the birth of Ghana in 1957.”
Writing under the heading, “free education up to university in Ghana: NPP & NDC convergence policy”, Prof. Twumasi said in the past, Ghanaians who through no fault of theirs, but happen to be residents in rural communities or born into poor families, automatically became excluded from education, resulting in the loss of talents through such unfair policies.
He noted, however, that the story is different today because the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo-led government’s Free SHS policy has made it possible for almost every household in farming communities to pride themselves on SHS graduates, culminating in many reaching university level for the first time over generations.
A believer that knowledge is power, Prof. Twumasi noted that the best way ever to invest the nation’s resources is through education.
He has commended both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for agreeing to unite around education to give every Ghanaian free education up to the university level, stressing that “it is indeed possible if we bind our strength together and go on this great path of national transformation.”
According to him, the best ever policy brought up for discussion by the NDC, prior to the 2024 general election, is their intent to make education free up to the university level and commended party leadership, and also encouraged them to be bold to make it free for the entire duration of the public university education (not only at the first year).
Prof. Twumasi noted that while others may worry about the cost, with some also worrying about the availability of infrastructural and human resources, he believes that “where there is a will, there is a way.”
He is looking forward to seeing Ahafo Ano South West District (Mankranso), his home district, standing for equal education for rural and urban dwellers up to the university level from investment from the district’s contribution of cocoa, timber and gold to the national kitty.
