Free SHS Exists Because of Me

Every policy is intended to address the specific needs of society within a short-term or long-term period. The implementation of the Free SHS policy, like any other policy, has undergone several challenges that continue to refine it. It is obvious that the benefits of this policy far outweigh the challenges or disadvantages. For this reason, several people, especially those in the political scene, have associated themselves with its implementation.

The Free SHS policy, which derives its strength primarily from the 1992 constitution of Ghana, came at a time when few people thought of it as possible. Yet, with the political will and passion of some key people within the educational sector, daring steps were taken to make its implementation a reality. Will it come to stay? How long and well the Free SHS policy stays with us depends on several factors, of which the political will cannot be overemphasized. However, with all these factors underpinning it, why the Free SHS policy?

The Free SHS policy has, as its main goal, the removal of the financial barriers capable of hindering any Ghanaian child of school-going age from accessing quality secondary education. For this reason, students under this policy do not pay tuition fees, boarding fees, and have access to free school uniforms, etc. Students who are boarders eat three times a day without paying any amount for it. Is such a policy sustainable? Do we need it now as a nation? Do the masses appreciate it? Is the policy serving its intended purpose? If you really want to know, ask the right questions from the right people or offices at the right time.

In my quest to get answers to these questions, I engaged some SHS students to find out their take on the policy. Some of their responses inspired this writing. One of the students who confided in me shared her story on how she had affairs with different men just to raise money for her upkeep and feeding throughout her junior high school education when her parents could no longer support her due to some problems they encountered.

She continued that completing J.H.S was all she thought was possible. However, Free SHS has given all of us with similar challenges hope and a future. The government should do whatever possible to sustain this policy. There is no doubt that Free SHS exists because of me.

BY: SAMUEL ABOAGYE
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