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Earlier yesterday, Sunday, 20th July 2025, the Central Regional Minister, Hon. Ekow Okyere Panyin Eduamoah, joined the management, staff, and students of St. Andrews Senior High School to celebrate the school’s 20th anniversary.
As President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. John Dramani Mahama continues to demonstrate his commitment to advancing every sector of the national economy. On several occasions, he has emphasized the need to review and enhance the Free Secondary School Education policy. A key aspect of this vision includes extending the benefits of the policy to private second-cycle institutions, allowing them to thrive—rather than collapse—due to the previous government’s insensitivity and failure to provide the necessary admission quota, despite countless efforts by school owners.
In this light, the President has taken steps to integrate private institutions with adequate infrastructure, conducive environments, and qualified personnel into the Free SHS program. Among the notable beneficiaries is St. Andrews Senior High School, a reputable institution with multiple campuses across the country.
For over twenty (20) years, St. Andrews SHS has consistently demonstrated academic excellence. It is part of the St. Andrews Group of Schools and Companies, founded and led by the Central Regional NDC Chairman, Hon. Prof. Richard Kofi Asiedu, who also serves as proprietor and oversees multiple business entities.
Earlier yesterday, Sunday, 20th July 2025, the Central Regional Minister, Hon. Ekow Okyere Panyin Eduamoah, joined the management, staff, and students of St. Andrews Senior High School to celebrate the school’s 20th anniversary. pic.twitter.com/UlI1NBPQ9P
— ITV Ghana (@ITVGHANA0) July 21, 2025
At yesterday’s event, the Central Regional Minister— an educationist and proprietor himself—served as the guest speaker. The occasion was graced by a distinguished gathering of high-profile dignitaries, including Members of Parliament, MMDCEs, traditional leaders (Nananom), CEOs, academicians", and international guests.
In his keynote address, Hon. Eduamoah made a passionate appeal for a national pivot toward technical education, describing it as the surest path to transforming Ghana’s economy. He noted that while grammar-based schools have served the nation well, the time has come to prioritize "practical education" that produces skilled artisans and job creators.
“Ghana has more than enough grammar schools. What we need now is technical training that empowers our youth with employable skills to drive economic growth,” he emphasized.
The Minister lamented the current reality where many artisans working across the country do not possess any formal certification. According to him, this limits their opportunities and weakens the overall professionalism of the workforce. He proposed the establishment of technical institutions that offer structured training and certification, which he believes will boost Ghana’s economic performance and job creation capacity.
Drawing inspiration from the "Chinese education system", Hon. Eduamoah urged stakeholders to emulate countries that have invested heavily in skills development, leading to significant industrial and technological advancements.
The Minister further encouraged the founder of the St. Andrews Group to consider establishing a technical school as part of the group’s future expansion, stating that it would be a worthy complement to their already impressive academic achievements.
In conclusion, Hon. Eduamoah passionately appealed to government and stakeholders in the education sector to extend the definition and coverage of "basic education" beyond the Junior High School level to include Senior High School. He emphasized that at the SHS level, students are more mature and capable of making independent life choices, and that guaranteeing education up to that level would strengthen national development.