Over 600 SHS Freshers in Akim Oda Receive Full Prospectus Support from MP
More than 600 newly admitted Senior High School (SHS) students in the Akim Oda constituency have received full prospectus support packages from their Member of Parliament, Hon. Alexander Akwasi Acquah, in a bid to ease the financial burden on parents and promote access to education.
The beneficiaries, drawn from communities including Oda Township, Essam, Yeboakrom, Larbikrom, and Oda Nkwanta, were presented with essential school items to help them transition smoothly into SHS life. The support follows the release of the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) results, which determined the students’ placement into various secondary institutions across the country.
Each student received a complete package tailored to the standard SHS prospectus requirements. The items included:
- A chop box
- Exercise books
- Basic food supplies: gari, Nido (milk powder), sugar, sardines, and shito
- Personal effects and toiletries
In addition to the general support, students who excelled in the BECE were recognized with cash prizes and certificates of achievement, aimed at motivating continued academic excellence.
In Ghana, the transition from junior high to senior high school comes with substantial costs, especially for families in low-income and rural communities. Despite the implementation of the Free SHS policy, students are still required to purchase items on their school’s prospectus costs that can range from GHS 1,500 to GHS 3,000 per student, depending on the school.
By directly providing these materials, the MP’s initiative has removed a significant financial hurdle for over 600 families, many of whom might have struggled to send their children to school without such support.
Speaking at a well-attended ceremony that brought together students, parents, traditional leaders, and education officers, Hon. Acquah explained that the motivation behind the initiative was rooted in his long-standing belief in education as the bedrock of development.
“I made a deliberate decision to support our young people not for political gain, but because I believe education is the key to transforming lives and communities,” he said.
He encouraged the students to make the most of the opportunity by remaining focused, disciplined, and committed to their studies. The MP also reaffirmed his long-term commitment to educational investment within the constituency.
Parents and school officials have widely praised the initiative, describing it as both timely and lifesaving.
Mrs. Adwoa Owusuaa, a parent from Essam, shared her relief:
“I didn’t know how I was going to afford all the items on my daughter’s list. This support came at just the right time.”
Mr. Kwaku Boateng, a headteacher from the area, also commended the MP for targeting not just access, but quality and equity in education by recognizing high-performing students.
Community leaders echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that the gesture has set a precedent for how local leadership can directly contribute to improving education outcomes.
While Ghana’s Free SHS policy has expanded access to secondary education nationwide, concerns remain over non-tuition-related expenses that many families still struggle to meet. In rural and peri-urban areas like Akim Oda, these costs continue to be a barrier for students from low-income homes.
According to data from the Ghana Statistical Service, over 23% of households in rural Eastern Region report delaying SHS enrollment due to lack of funds for basic supplies. Interventions such as this one directly respond to that challenge and complement national policy efforts.
This initiative forms part of a broader series of social interventions spearheaded by Hon. Acquah since assuming office. He has previously supported BECE candidates with exam materials and funded ICT equipment for schools.
Observers have suggested that sustained, non-partisan educational investments such as these will be essential if Ghana is to improve not just access, but educational equity and completion rates at the SHS level.
The Akim Oda MP’s prospectus distribution initiative highlights how local leadership can make a tangible difference in bridging education gaps. As Ghana continues to push for inclusive, quality education for all, community-based support like this provides both relief for families and motivation for students to pursue academic excellence.
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