The Centre for Policy Scrutiny (CPS) will undertake a critical review of Ghana’s Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme. This assessment comes nine years after the programme’s implementation, focusing on its quality and sustainability.
The CPS will hold a public lecture on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, to present its findings. The event, themed “Improved Access, Quality Questioned: A Report on 9 Years of Ghana’s Free SHS,” will examine the programme’s impact beyond just increasing student enrolment. It will delve into how the rapid expansion of access has affected learning outcomes, school infrastructure, and the availability of teaching resources. The review will also scrutinise the financial implications of the programme, assessing whether resource allocation has kept pace with the significant increase in student numbers to maintain educational quality.
This review fits into a broader national conversation about public expenditure and educational standards in Ghana. The Free SHS programme, a flagship government policy, has significantly boosted access to secondary education, enrolling millions of students since its inception. However, concerns about its long-term financial viability and the quality of education provided have grown. Previous discussions have highlighted the substantial budgetary allocations required to sustain the programme, prompting calls for sustainable funding models and improved resource management. This CPS review aims to provide an objective, evidence-based perspective on these critical issues, contributing to policy improvements.
Emmanuel Kweku Obeng-Adjei, Head of Corporate Affairs at CPS, stated the nine-year mark offers an objective assessment opportunity. He explained, “Free SHS has fundamentally changed access to secondary education in Ghana. But nine years into its implementation, the national conversation must also ask what has happened to the programme's quality, outcomes, and sustainability.” Mr. Obeng-Adjei emphasised the lecture’s goal is to bring evidence and analysis to these crucial questions. He added, “Our interest is not to reduce the discussion to whether Free SHS has succeeded or failed. We want to examine the evidence, understand who has benefited, identify the gaps and contribute ideas that can strengthen secondary education in Ghana.”
The findings from this review will likely influence future policy decisions regarding the Free SHS programme. Policymakers, educational institutions, and financial markets will closely watch the CPS report for insights into the programme’s effectiveness and economic impact. Any recommendations for structural changes or funding adjustments could affect government budgets, educational sector planning, and public confidence in the education system. The review's focus on sustainability and quality aims to ensure that increased access translates into meaningful educational outcomes for Ghanaian children. The public lecture will feature Dr. Adu Owusu Sarkodie, Executive Director of CPS, and Dr. Jacob Oppong Nkansah from the University of Education, Winneba. Their expertise will provide valuable insights into the programme's challenges and potential solutions. The ultimate goal is to generate ideas that can strengthen the programme, ensuring that increased access is matched by quality education and meaningful outcomes. This comprehensive assessment will provide a clear roadmap for enhancing secondary education in Ghana, equipping students for future studies, employment, and responsible citizenship. The lecture will be streamed live on the Centre for Policy Scrutiny’s Facebook and YouTube platforms, ensuring broad public access to the discussion.