The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has called for a review of Ghana’s Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, suggesting that families who can afford to pay should contribute, allowing government resources to be directed toward students in genuine financial need.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by Minister of Education Haruna Iddrisu, the Asantehene proposed a mixed-support system, similar to past practices where bursaries were awarded to needy but deserving students, while those who could afford tuition covered their own costs.
“Those who can afford to pay, let’s have a second look at the policy. If someone can afford it, let’s allow them to pay,” he stated.
“In the old times, when you passed, the bursary would look for good but needy students and award them scholarships, and those who could afford to pay did so.”
Call for National Dialogue on Free SHS
While acknowledging the benefits of Free SHS, Otumfuo emphasized the need for a national conversation to address challenges affecting the program and ensure its long-term sustainability.
“This Free SHS we are talking about, although we have implemented it, if we have a dialogue and find out that it will result in students coming home every now and then because there is no food, then it is not fit for purpose.”
Concerns Over Infrastructure and Resources
The Asantehene also raised concerns about infrastructure deficits and logistical constraints in secondary schools, including overcrowded dormitories, lack of science and ICT laboratories, food shortages, and inadequate school buses.
“Our dormitories are overcrowded and lack science and ICT labs. Sometimes PTA makes contributions to support. The lack of school buses and the shortage of food should all be looked at. Let us implement it well so that students will stay in school and have enough to eat.”
Sustaining Free SHS for Future Generations
The Free SHS policy, introduced in 2017, aimed to remove financial barriers to secondary education. While it has increased enrollment, concerns persist about funding sustainability and maintaining educational quality. The Asantehene’s call for dialogue highlights the need for practical solutions to enhance the program’s effectiveness.
Source: Dailymailgh