Claim by Akufo-Addo that 5.7m persons benefitted from Free SHS is ‘a blatant lie’ – Dr Apaak

The Deputy Ranking Member of Parliament's Education Committee, Dr. Clement Apaak, has refuted President Nana Akufo-Addo’s claim that 5.7 million students have benefitted from the Free Senior High School (SHS) program.

Speaking on Starr Today, Dr. Apaak described the figure as a "blatant lie," pointing out that enrollment statistics from 2017 to 2024 reveal only 3.1 million students have participated in the program.

He clarified that this number represents enrollments, not completions, making the President’s claim inaccurate.

While acknowledging the program's role in increasing access to education, Dr. Apaak criticized its implementation, citing dissatisfaction among Ghanaians. He suggested this could bolster support for former President John Mahama, who is viewed as capable of ensuring the policy’s sustainability.