Ferdinand | EducationGhana | June 07 | Free SHS vs. TVET: Balancing Ghana’s Education Budget for Sustainable Impact
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.
Related Links
How TVET Can Support Ghana’s Youth Employment Agenda: A Strategic Shift Towards Skills for Jobs
Government to Support Universities to Train 5 PhD Students Starting 2025 – Haruna Iddrisu
Shocking Taxation of Teachers’ Allowance: 3 Urgent Demands by Unions to Protect Teachers’ Rights
Key Education Highlights: 12 Major Promises from NPP’s 2024 Manifesto Unveiled by Dr. Bawumia
Teacher Unions vs. Government: Stalemate in Allowance Negotiations – Ellis Ferdinand Analysis Reveals Strategies and Risks
*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.*
OTHER IMPORTANT STORIES
- 5 Transformative Plans by Prof. Mawutor: UPSA’s Visionary Vice Chancellor Takes Charge
Apply Now: UPSA Distance Learning Programmes 2024/25 Academic Year – Flexible Online Education
UPSA Announces Availability of Professional Programmes for 2024/25 Academic Year: Apply Now
UPSA Announces Postgraduate Programmes for the 2024/2025 Academic Year
Undergraduate Programmes Offered at UPSA for the 2024/2025 Academic Year
WAEC Receives GH₵35 Million Boost for WASSCE 2024 Results Processing Amid Challenges
How to write and address any form of Letter to the Ghana Education Service HERE
How to write and address an Application for Car Maintenance Allowance as a Teacher HERE
Check This Out: Top 10 Steps to Register and Write Exams in KATon Computing Training Workshop
Check the SHS Grading System HERE
Download the 2022 basic and SHS Academic Calendar HERECheck This Out:JUST IN: Coalition of Concerned Teachers sacks acting President King Ali Awudu
SEND US YOUR STORIES FOR PUBLICATION VIA WHATSAPP NUMBER0206361048
Get theNaCCA/GES Standard-Based Lesson Plans HERE
Get the Ghana Education ServiceNew Standard–Based Scheme of Learning (SOL)HERE
Get the Ghana Education Service New Standard–Based Curriculum HERE
Get the WAECBECE, WASSCE, NTC Licensure Exam, and Teachers’ Promotion Exam Past Questions HERE
Download the Teachers Guide on SBCand CCP Curriculums HERE
♥Copyright Notice: Content on This Website is Copyright Protected. No Part of this Content should be reproduced without the Consent of the Author(s) or Recognition of the source of the content. © 2025 Ellis Multimedia: EducationGhana.org: All Rights Reserved
Discover more from EducationGhana
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
