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President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo used his final State of the Nation Address in Parliament to celebrate the 2023 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results, declaring them the best in the history of the exams in Ghana. The President attributed this remarkable achievement to his government’s flagship Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy and broader education reforms, emphasizing the policy’s transformative impact on both access to and the quality of secondary education. His speech showcased not only the remarkable performance of Ghanaian students, but also the pride he takes in his administration’s bold decisions and their impact on the future of Ghanaian youth.
*A Landmark Achievement in Education:*
President Akufo-Addo began by highlighting the historic achievement of Ghanaian students in the 2023 WASSCE, clearly stating that the results were the “best in the history of the examination.” This powerful declaration set the tone for his address, positioning the 2023 results as a landmark moment for education in Ghana. The President’s emphasis on “history” underscores the magnitude of the achievement and places it within a broader context of Ghana’s educational progress.
*Free SHS as a Catalyst for Success:*
The President firmly credited the success of the 2023 WASSCE results to the implementation of the Free SHS policy and the accompanying educational reforms. He asserted that these reforms had not only expanded access to education but also enhanced the quality of education for Ghanaian students. The policy, introduced in 2017, made secondary education accessible to millions of students who previously had been excluded due to financial constraints. This emphasis on accessibility highlights the core principle of equity that underpins the policy. By removing financial barriers, it has opened up educational opportunities to a broader spectrum of Ghanaian society.
*Transforming Secondary Education:*
President Akufo-Addo highlighted how the Free SHS policy had fundamentally altered perceptions about secondary education in Ghana, dismantling the idea that it was a privilege reserved for a select few. He presented the policy as a tool for social mobility and empowerment, arguing that it has given many young Ghanaians the opportunity to pursue their dreams and contribute to national development. This focus on transformation signifies the profound changes the policy has brought about in Ghana’s education system, and how it has challenged the previous status quo.
*Improved Student Performance:*
The President cited tangible evidence of improved student performance, stating that since the first cohort of Free SHS students sat for the WASSCE in 2020, Ghana had consistently recorded over 50% of candidates achieving A1-C6 in all four core subjects. He provided a breakdown of specific improvements across various subjects, noting significant increases in pass rates. In English, pass rates rose from 51.6% in 2016 to 69.52% in 2024. Integrated Science improved from 48.35% in 2016 to 58.77% in 2024, while Mathematics experienced a significant leap from 33.12% in 2016 to 66.86% in 2024. Social Studies also showed steady progress, increasing from 54.5% in 2016 to 71.53% in 2024. These statistics provide empirical data to back up the claim of improvement, highlighting the impact of the educational reforms.
*A Bold and Justified Decision:*
President Akufo-Addo expressed pride in his administration’s decision to fully implement Free SHS, despite calls for a gradual rollout. He believes that the policy’s success has vindicated his administration’s approach, affirming the value of his decision, and cementing its place as a major achievement in Ghana’s education system. This statement emphasized his belief that the approach taken was the correct one, and that the positive results have justified the bold implementation, dismissing the doubts expressed at the inception of the policy.
*Optimism for the Future of Education:*
As he prepared to leave office, President Akufo-Addo expressed optimism that the reforms in secondary education, coupled with investments in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and STEM, would continue to improve the quality of education and equip Ghanaian youth with the skills needed for the future. This shows that his vision is not just for the present, but also for the future, and the policies he has set in motion will have a lasting impact. He hopes that this foundation will contribute to the long-term development of Ghana’s human capital.
President Akufo-Addo’s final State of the Nation address highlighted the historic achievement of Ghanaian students in the 2023 WASSCE, crediting the Free SHS policy and related reforms for the impressive results. His remarks underscore the transformative power of education and provide a clear vision for the future of education in Ghana. The 2023 results are not just an achievement for the current administration, but a triumph for Ghanaian students and a promise of a brighter future for the country.
