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5 Shocking Ways False Free SHS Data Cost Ghana Millions: Ellis Ferdinand Demands Accountability

26th January 2025

Ferdinand | EducationGhana | January 26|5 Shocking Ways False Free SHS Data Cost Ghana Millions: Ellis Ferdinand Demands Accountability

Education blogger Ellis Ferdinand reveals discrepancies in Free SHS data, highlighting ghost beneficiaries and the financial loss to Ghana. Learn the facts.

5 Shocking Ways False Free SHS Data Cost Ghana Millions: Ellis Ferdinand Demands Accountability

Ghanaian education blogger, curriculum specialist, and researcher, Ellis Ferdinand, has called for an immediate investigation into what he terms “ghost beneficiaries” of the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) program.

According to Ferdinand, conflicting data on the program’s beneficiaries not only raises credibility concerns but also hints at a significant financial loss to the nation.

Data Discrepancies in Free SHS Beneficiaries

Ferdinand highlighted a glaring discrepancy in Free SHS data from various government agencies. While the Ministry of Education (MoE) earlier reported 3.1 million beneficiaries, a more recent update from the Ministry of Finance (MoF) claims 5.7 million beneficiaries, sparking widespread confusion and suspicion of inflated figures.

According to the updated MoE data as of January 23, 2025, the total number of beneficiaries per cohort is as follows:

2017 (Cohort 1): 362,118
2018 (Cohort 2): 432,791
2019 (Cohort 3): 404,851
2020 (Cohort 4): 423,320
2021 (Cohort 5): 555,353
2022 (Cohort 6): 447,396
2023 (Cohort 7): 509,925
2024 (Cohort 8): 463,531

Total: 3,511,733

Ferdinand noted that this data aligns more closely with the 3 million mark previously reported by the MoE, contrasting sharply with the 5.7 million figure cited by the MoF.

Ghost Beneficiaries Allegation: Where Did 2.6 Million Go?

Ferdinand has dubbed the 2.6 million difference between the MoF and MoE figures as potential “ghost beneficiaries,” urging authorities to launch an immediate investigation to uncover any misuse of funds.

“There is no evidence of any 5.7 million! The Ministry of Education must prioritize data credibility to eliminate inconsistencies like this,” Ferdinand stated.

The Financial Impact of Data Misrepresentation

The financial implications of such discrepancies are staggering. If the inflated 5.7 million figure influenced budget allocations, Ghana may have wasted millions of cedis on phantom students.

This mismanagement would not only drain public funds but also compromise the integrity of the Free SHS program.

Calls for Centralized Data Management

To address these inconsistencies, Ferdinand urged the Ministry of Education to:

Centralize Data Management: Ensure all government agencies rely on a single, verified dataset for education statistics.
Implement Transparent Auditing: Conduct regular audits to verify the accuracy of beneficiary data and budget allocations.
Foster Collaboration Across Agencies: Strengthen coordination between the MoE and MoF to prevent contradictory reports.

Restoring Trust in Education Funding

The credibility of the Free SHS program—a flagship initiative—depends on accurate reporting and transparent governance. Misaligned data undermines public trust, hampers policy evaluation, and risks tarnishing the program’s legacy.

“It is possible to have just one credible dataset for education indicators,” Ferdinand emphasized, adding that prioritizing accurate reporting is critical to ensuring the program’s success.

Conclusion

As Ghana continues to grapple with discrepancies in Free SHS data, voices like Ellis Ferdinand’s underscore the need for transparency, accountability, and immediate corrective action. Resolving these inconsistencies is not just about restoring public confidence but ensuring that every cedi spent fulfills its intended purpose—empowering Ghana’s next generation of leaders.

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