The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has described Ghana’s Free Senior High School (SHS) program as the most ambitious social intervention initiative of the Fourth Republic.
He made these remarks while speaking at a ceremony at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) on Thursday (5 September), where he was awarded an honorary doctorate for his significant contributions to nation-building, peace and development.
The Free SHS policy, introduced by the government of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in 2017, remains a key issue in national discussions on education, with many praising its impact on accessibility while others debate its sustainability.
Reflecting on the history of free education in Ghana, the Asantehene noted that pre-independence programs had focused on primary education and, later, university education. However, secondary education had long been left unaddressed because of financial constraints on the state.

The Asantehene said providing free SHS aligns with Ghana’s duty to ensure access to basic education for all citizens.

The Asantehene was honoured for his distinguished service to Ghana, particularly his commitment to promoting unity and social development. It was also in recognition of his significant contribution to humanity in the areas of water and sanitation, health, education, entrepreneurship, culture, and heritage.