Education is the heartbeat of Ghana’s future. It is the single most important investment in our youth, shaping whether they rise to global competitiveness or remain trapped in cycles of mediocrity. Over the past two decades, Ghana’s education system has been defined by two contrasting traditions: the New Patriotic Party (NPP), which has consistently expanded access and improved outcomes, and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), which has repeatedly reversed progress, leaving behind systemic failures.
Kufuor’s Vision: The Four-Year Senior High School
President John Agyekum Kufuor’s administration introduced the four-year Senior High School (SHS) system, a bold reform that gave students more time to absorb content and prepare for WAEC examinations.
- WAEC pass rates improved during the four-year cycle.
- Teachers reported reduced pressure and better preparedness among students.
- More students qualified for tertiary education, strengthening Ghana’s human capital base.
This was a reform rooted in foresight, prioritizing the long-term success of Ghanaian youth.
Mahama’s Reversal: Back to Three Years
President John Mahama’s government scrapped the four-year SHS, reverting to three years. The decision was driven more by political expediency than educational logic.
- Students were rushed through syllabi.
- WAEC failures increased, particularly in core subjects.
- Teachers expressed frustration at the collapse of standards.
Recent WAEC statistics underline the damage: in 2025, Core Mathematics pass rates dropped from 66.86% in 2024 to just 48.73%, while English fell from 66.98% to 56.76. These declines are not abstract numbers, they represent thousands of young lives disadvantaged by poor policy choices.
Akufo-Addo’s Free SHS and Teacher Allowances
President Nana Akufo-Addo’s Free SHS policy, launched in 2017, was a landmark reform. For the first time, financial barriers were removed, allowing every child to access secondary education.
- Over 5.7 million students have benefited since its inception.
- Enrollment surged nationwide, bridging the gap between rich and poor.
- Gender parity improved, giving girls equal opportunities in education.
Akufo-Addo also restored teacher trainee allowances, boosting morale and attracting more young people into the teaching profession. Motivated teachers translate into stronger classrooms and better student outcomes.
Mahama’s Attack on Teachers
Mahama’s government scrapped teacher trainee allowances, claiming fiscal unsustainability.
- Teacher morale collapsed.
- Fewer young people pursued teaching careers.
- Classrooms suffered from shortages and declining quality.
The correlation is undeniable: demoralized teachers + underprepared students = mass WAEC failures.
The Brutal Truth
The evidence is clear:
- NPP reforms (Kufuor’s four-year SHS, Akufo-Addo’s Free SHS and teacher allowances) expanded access, improved outcomes, and motivated teachers.
- NDC reversals under Mahama destroyed progress, fueled exam failures, and crippled Ghana’s education system.
Mahama’s tenure represents a dark chapter in Ghana’s education history. His policies prioritized politics over pedagogy, leaving Ghanaian youth disadvantaged in global competitiveness.
Final Word
If Ghana is serious about building a future of excellence, it must reject the destructive reversals of the NDC and protect the visionary reforms of the NPP. Education is not a playground for political experimentsit is the lifeline of our nation.
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