‘Free SHS is crippling our economy’ —  Kwadjoga Adawudu

A member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) legal and communication team, Victor Kwadjoga Adawudu has expressed concerns over the impact of the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy on Ghana's economy.

According to Mr Adawudu, the policy is imposing severe hardship on Ghanaians and needs urgent review to prevent further damage.

Speaking on the Breakfast Daily Show on Citi TV, he highlighted the government's indebtedness to the National Food Suppliers and suppliers of uniforms to public schools under the Free SHS programme as a major issue.

He pointed out that the delays in payment to these suppliers have led to protests and picketing, which indicates a loss of faith in the government's ability to manage the economy effectively.

"When it comes to the Free SHS, everybody is livid about that. It is bringing untold hardship upon us and this economy.

“Why is it that the people the government owes, the uniform contractors, cannot even go to court to say that we want our money? Everyone is picketing because citizens are losing faith in our institutions," he stated.

Mr. Adawudu's remarks come amidst ongoing discussions about the sustainability of the Free SHS policy, which was implemented by the government to provide free secondary education to all qualified students in public schools.

While the policy has significantly increased access to education and reduced the financial burden on many families, it has also faced challenges in terms of funding and management.