Class
Article
College
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Department
Political Science Department
Faculty Mentor
Jia Li
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Abstract
The Free Senior High School (FSHS) policy, introduced in Ghana in 2017, marked a major shift in educational access by removing financial barriers at the secondary level. While several studies have examined its implementation and socio-economic impacts, limited attention has been given to its political consequences, particularly among young voters. This study examines the impact of the FSHS policy on the voting decisions of university students in the 2024 general elections. Grounded in historical and contemporary policy contexts, the study traces Ghana's educational reforms from the Nkrumah era through the FCUBE initiative to the FSHS policy, situating them within a broader African policy landscape that includes Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 240 students from the University of Ghana using stratified random sampling. Data collection adhered to ethical standards, and analysis was conducted using SPSS. Findings reveal that the FSHS policy has a significant impact on voting behavior. Many students reported that the policy influenced their support for political candidates, reflecting both appreciation and critical engagement. The study concludes that education policy not only delivers developmental benefits but also plays a crucial role in shaping political attitudes and fostering democratic participation among young people.
Keywords: Free SHS, Education Policy, Electoral Behavior, Ghana, Youth Voting, Political Influence
Location
Logan, UT
Start Date
4-9-2025 2:30 PM
End Date
4-9-2025 3:20 PM
Included in
Educational Policy and the Ballot Box: The 2024 Ghanaian Election Through Students' Eyes
Logan, UT
The Free Senior High School (FSHS) policy, introduced in Ghana in 2017, marked a major shift in educational access by removing financial barriers at the secondary level. While several studies have examined its implementation and socio-economic impacts, limited attention has been given to its political consequences, particularly among young voters. This study examines the impact of the FSHS policy on the voting decisions of university students in the 2024 general elections. Grounded in historical and contemporary policy contexts, the study traces Ghana's educational reforms from the Nkrumah era through the FCUBE initiative to the FSHS policy, situating them within a broader African policy landscape that includes Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 240 students from the University of Ghana using stratified random sampling. Data collection adhered to ethical standards, and analysis was conducted using SPSS. Findings reveal that the FSHS policy has a significant impact on voting behavior. Many students reported that the policy influenced their support for political candidates, reflecting both appreciation and critical engagement. The study concludes that education policy not only delivers developmental benefits but also plays a crucial role in shaping political attitudes and fostering democratic participation among young people.
Keywords: Free SHS, Education Policy, Electoral Behavior, Ghana, Youth Voting, Political Influence