Evaluating Ghana’s Free SHS Policy: Impact on Students’ Academic Performance

This presentation examines the impact of Ghana’s Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy and the double-track system on students’ academic performance and broader education outcomes. Drawing on a quasi-experimental policy evaluation, the study compares academic performance before and after the introduction of Free SHS and examines differences between double-track and non-double-track schools. The research covered 58 public senior high schools across Ghana’s 16 regions. The findings highlight gains in student enrolment alongside important challenges relating to academic performance, infrastructure, teaching and learning materials, contact hours, financing and implementation. The study was conducted by Duah Dwomoh, Anthony Godi, John Tetteh, Charles Amoatey, Richard Otoo, Leticia Tornyevah and Chad Hazlett. Watch the presentation to explore what the evidence tells us about expanding access to secondary education while safeguarding education quality in Ghana. #FreeSHS #EducationPolicy #ImpactEvaluation #EvidenceInformedPolicy