President Mahama Touts Free SHS in Moscow
President John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday used the platform of an honorary doctorate ceremony in Moscow to tout Ghana’s Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy, positioning it as part of a broader push to break down financial barriers to education.
Speaking at the Patrice Lumumba Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), where he was conferred with an honorary doctorate for his public service and commitment to education, President Mahama listed Free SHS alongside Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education, the School Feeding Programme, the No-Fee Stress policy, and support for students with disabilities as key interventions.
He said these measures were aimed at reducing financial barriers and widening access to education for Ghanaians.
Commitment
The President, who studied in Russia as a postgraduate student nearly 40 years ago, stressed that expanding access must go hand-in-hand with improving quality. “We are committed to strengthening technical and vocational training, scientific research and digital skills,” Mr Mahama said, adding, “Expanding access must go hand in hand with improving quality and ensuring that what students learn equips them for the demands of work and citizenship”.
Cooperation
He also called for stronger educational cooperation between Ghana and Russia, welcoming discussions on a proposed Russian-African studies programme and an invitation for outstanding Ghanaian students to pursue specialised studies at RUDN.
President Mahama expressed gratitude to the Russian government for scholarships awarded to Ghanaian students and advocated for deeper partnerships through student and faculty exchanges, joint research, and professional training in engineering, medicine, and energy.
Legacies
President Mahama invoked the legacies of Patrice Lumumba and Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, saying contemporary African leaders had a responsibility to translate their vision into practical outcomes through quality education and opportunities for young people.
He described the honour as “a renewed responsibility to serve Ghana and contribute to understanding among nations”.
