The Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy in Ghana officially started in the 2017/2018 academic year. The implementation began in September 2017 under the government of President Nana Akufo-Addo, fulfilling a key campaign promise. At launch, it covered all fees for students admitted to public senior and vocational high schools, including tuition, boarding, meals, textbooks, and other fees.
It is worth noting that a predecessor policy called the Progressively Free Senior High School program was introduced earlier in September 2015 by the former Mahama administration, focusing initially on day students and gradually expanding. However, the full rollout and actual free SHS education as widely recognized began from September 2017.
In summary:
- Progressive Free SHS started September 2015 under President Mahama (initial phase)
- Full Free SHS program launched and implemented from September 2017 under President Akufo-Addo (main nationwide rollout)
