Bawumia promises free tertiary education for SHS graduates of cocoa farmers’

The flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has pledged to introduce free tertiary education for the children of cocoa farmers in the country if elected President in the December 7 general election.

The Vice-President made the promise addressing farmers at a Farmers’ Day celebration in Jocubu in the Odotobri constituency of the Ashanti Region emphasizing the government’s commitment to prioritizing higher education for rural communities.

The free tertiary education initiative is set to replace the existing Senior High School (SHS) cocoa scholarship program, which has become redundant with the implementation of Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy.

Dr Mahamudu Bawumia explained that the funds currently directed towards SHS scholarships would instead be redirected to cover tertiary education costs for cocoa farmers’ children.

“Initially, COCOBOD provided scholarships for the children of cocoa farmers to attend Senior High Schools. However, with the introduction of the free Senior High School (SHS) policy, every child can now attend SHS at no cost,” Dr. Bawumia stated.

He added, “As a result, the government plans to reallocate the funds that were previously used to cover the fees for cocoa farmers’ children. Starting next year, COCOBOD will take over the responsibility of paying the fees for cocoa farmers.”

The 2024 presidential candidate for the NPP emphasized that the free Senior High School (SHS) policy has already made education accessible to everyone, and this new initiative will further empower cocoa farmers’ children.