Deputy Finance Minister-Designate refutes Claims of Free SHS Cancellation

Deputy Minister-designate for the Ministry of Finance, Hon. Thomas Ampem Nyarko, has refuted claims by sections of Ghanaians that the National Democratic Congress (NDC), under the leadership of John Dramani Mahama, intends to abolish the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy.

Hon. Ampem Nyarko made this statement while responding to a question during his vetting before the Parliamentary Appointments Committee today. He dismissed allegations that the NDC would scrap the policy, emphasizing that the party has not opposed the Free SHS program but rather seeks to ensure its effective implementation.

“I am not aware, and I have not heard anywhere, that John Mahama’s NDC government is against the progress and development of the Free Senior High School policy. However, we support any consensus regarding policy direction that enhances our country’s educational system,” he stated.

The three-term Member of Parliament for the Asuogyaman Constituency in the Eastern Region further emphasized that the Free SHS policy itself is not the problem, rather its implementation. He called for a holistic approach to addressing challenges within the education sector to improve its effectiveness.

Hon. Ampem Nyarko also reiterated his commitment to supporting the substantive Finance Minister in strengthening revenue mobilization through various interventions, including expanding the scope of revenue collection.

Since entering Parliament in 2016, Hon. Thomas Ampem Nyarko has served on several key committees, including the Finance and Gender Committees. He was also the Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Budget in the eighth Parliament, where he played a crucial role in scrutinizing government spending.

By William Dei Gyau