Introduction of Free SHS has put Huge Strain on Ghana’s Economy – Otumfour Osei Tutu II

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has said the introduction of the government’s Free Senior High School policy has put a huge strain on the country’s resources and also raises the challenge of creating jobs for graduates.

Speaking at an event at the University of Memphis in the United States of America on Friday (6 May 2022), Otumfuo Osei Tutu II said, “… the current government has introduced free education up to senior high school, which now ensures that all Ghanaian children from whatever background are guaranteed free education.

“Considering the value to the nation, this must be one of the boldest policies of the nation but it also brings its challenges. It puts a huge strain on the national budget and raises further the challenge about the creation of jobs for the increasing number of graduates,” he said.

The Asantehene said he values the importance of education to the development of the country, hence the establishment of his education foundation to support children from poor backgrounds.

“When we ascended the Golden Stool 23 years ago, we proclaimed education as the ultimate priority of our reign. In furtherance of our priority, we establish a foundation to support the education of children from poor backgrounds.

“It has become so far the largest private intervention in education in the country’s history ”