Since its implementation in 2017, the Free Senior High School (FSHS) policy has sought to make secondary education generally available and accessible to all and to promote equal educational opportunity across the entire nation. The policy still remains one of the most ambitious in the educational system of Ghana. Though the policy itself suggests a noble cause to enhance the life of many Ghanaian youths at the senior high school level, implementation of the policy has resulted in mixed outcomes. The resultant effect has been widespread debates, questioning and dissatisfaction on various fronts amongst stakeholders. From heated arguments aired across media platforms to sentiments and concerns expressed by parents and teachers, it is evident that the FSHS policy has over the years called for attention, particular amongst these, being the call for a reform.
The YAFO Institute’s research, Counting the Costs: The Unintended Consequences of Ghana’s Free Senior High School Policy on Household Poverty, into the policy’s effect on household poverty in 2024 delved deeper into some of the overlooked adverse effect the policy has had on the educational system at the secondary education level and brought to light the plight of teachers, students, and parents amongst other stakeholders. The study revealed unintended negative outcomes such as huge financial expense on parents, longer periods spent at home by students, and poor academic achievements amongst others.
In light of current affairs, we are pleased to see some of the recommendations from our research being taken into consideration in the ongoing reform by the current administration. Join us in a policy dialogue on these ongoing reforms and how our research on the subject can further enhance the reform process and the future of education in Ghana as a whole.
Theme: Free SHS Policy Reform Dialogue: Harnessing a Sustainable Path for Ghana’s Educational Future
Date: 29th November 2025
Time: 4 PM UTC
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SPEAKERS
Donatus Doe
Center Head, Center for Health, Education and Poverty Reduction, YAFO Institute
He is a Doctoral student in Education and Social Policy at the University of Delaware. His interdisciplinary research focuses on policies and programs that enhance the economic well-being of young people through high-quality education and training, addressing barriers to work and labor force participation, and improving job quality.
As a policy researcher, his work evaluates education policies that cover school initiatives aimed at promoting effective transitions, inclusive education, and equitable access and participation in education and STEM fields.
Donatus is also interested in democratic theory, democratic citizenship, democratization, and the state. This area of research focuses on the everyday politics of democracies, as well as the side effects of public and social policies on democratic participation, belonging, and citizenship. He received his MA in Education from the State University of Zanzibar and a BA in Political Science from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.
Maxwell Boamah Amofa
Executive Director, International Partnerships for African Development
He is a dedicated advocate for human rights, transitional justice, and sustainable development in Africa. He currently serves as the Executive Director of International Partnerships for African Development (IPAD Africa), Research Officer at the West Africa Transitional Justice Centre (WATJCentre) and President of the African Students Union at the European University Viadrina in Germany.
His professional journey includes over 4years of teaching experience in Moscow, Russia, He has also played key roles with UNICEF in Germany; Libereco Partnership for Human Rights in Berlin, Germany; and the Justice Section of the Rent Control Department under the Ministry of Works and Housing in Ghana.
He holds Master’s degree in International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law and a Diploma in Applied Peace and Conflict Studies from the European University Viadrina in Germany as well as Bachelor’s degree in Political Studies from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ghana. His multidimensional expertise underscores a lifelong commitment to advancing transitional justice, human rights, and sustainable development across the African continent.
Justine G. Kankpeyeng
Policy Scholar, Center for Economic Freedom Policy, YAFO Institute
He is an accomplished researcher with a solid academic background. He has a BSc. Integrated Development Studies (Economics major) from the University for Development Studies and an M.Phil. in Economics from the University of Cape Coast. He has strong research interest in the application of macroeconomics and microeconomics, monetary economic theories to financial, agriculture, health and development related issues.
Justine gained useful experience in various capacities working for organizations including Ghana Statistics Service (GSS), Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), and Water Aid International through ProNet North while working as a Research and Teaching Assistant at SD Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies, Wa.
He is a George Ayittey Society Scholar and is currently to making significant contributions as a senior researcher assistant at YAFO Institute for both Center for Economic Freedom Policy and Development and Centre for Public Health, Education and Poverty Reduction.
Hillary Esa Agbanaglo – Moderator
Director of Events & Programs, YAFO Institute
