Ghanaian education expert Ferdinand Ellis advocates for a strategic balance between Free SHS and TVET investments to enhance economic outcomes and fiscal sustainability.
Ghana’s commitment to providing free secondary education through the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) program has significantly increased access to education. However, this initiative has also placed a substantial strain on the national budget. According to the Ghana News Agency, the government allocated GH¢3.5 billion for the Free SHS program in 2025, with an additional GH¢4.1 billion potentially available through the uncapping of the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) .
Ferdinand Ellis, an award-winning Ghanaian education blogger, curriculum specialist, policy analyst, and researcher, emphasizes the need to balance investments between Free SHS and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to ensure economic sustainability and address unemployment challenges.
Comparing Costs and Outcomes
The government spends approximately GH¢9,000 per student annually on both Free SHS and TVET programs. However, TVET programs often require additional resources for practical training and technical equipment, making them slightly more expensive .
Ellis points out that while Free SHS has expanded access to education, it has also led to an increase in graduates without corresponding job opportunities. In contrast, TVET programs equip students with practical skills that are directly applicable to the job market, potentially reducing unemployment rates.
Aligning Education with Economic Needs
Investing in TVET aligns with Ghana’s economic development goals by producing a skilled workforce ready to meet industry demands. Ellis advocates for a strategic shift in funding to enhance TVET programs, suggesting that this approach could yield better economic returns and alleviate the financial burden on the national budget.
He also highlights the importance of integrating TVET into the broader education system to provide students with diverse pathways to success, thereby promoting inclusive and equitable quality education in line with Sustainable Development Goal 4.
Policy Recommendations
To optimize the impact of educational investments, Ellis recommends:
Reallocating Funds: Adjusting the education budget to provide more support for TVET programs, ensuring they are adequately equipped and staffed.
Curriculum Development: Updating curricula to include practical skills training and entrepreneurship education, preparing students for the evolving job market.
Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborating with industry partners to align TVET programs with labor market needs and to facilitate job placements for graduates.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Implementing robust systems to assess the effectiveness of both Free SHS and TVET programs, ensuring continuous improvement and accountability.
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Related Links
Government allocates GH¢3.5 billion for Free SHS in 2025
NEIP CEO reveals per-student costs for Free SHS and TVET
Understanding the role of education in economic development
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*Note: This article is based on insights from Ferdinand Ellis, a prominent figure in Ghana’s education sector. For more information on his work and perspectives, visit EducationGhana.org.*
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