Decentralize disbursement of Free SHS funds to address challenges – Minority to gov’t

The Minority in Parliament is asking government to decentralize the disbursement of the funds for the Free Senior High School (SHS) programme to address the numerous challenges it is facing.

Since its implementation in the 2017/2018 academic year, the policy introduced by the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has seen thousands of students benefiting despite doubts the opposition.

Years down the line, the increasing number of students has meant that the demand has gone up with the government expected to provide more funds and infrastructure to keep the programme running.

Although the programme is doing well, its numerous challenges identified by the Minority in the areas of infrastructure, feeding, and funding remains a threat to leading to its collapse if not addressed.

In a press release from the Minority, it proposed that the government should decentralize the disbursement of funds and allow school heads to manage the finances of the schools they have been put in charge of.

“….We believe that management of the Free SHS policy, disbursement and procurement must be decentralized with stringent monitoring mechanism to reduce the high rate of corruption in the system,” the release signed by Peter Nortsu-Kotoe, a Ranking Member on Education Committee of Parliament has said.

While calling for the infrastructure needs of the schools to be addressed as a matter of urgency, the Minority stresses that crowded dormitories and classrooms have to be decongested to avoid the spread of infectious diseases in schools.

Find below the full press release from the Minority.