Free SHS can't continue; parents must pay for feeding, accommodation – NAGRAT

President of the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), Angel Carbonu, has called for a review of the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy, suggesting that parents should bear the cost of feeding and accommodation for their children in senior high schools.

Speaking in a radio interview with Accra-based Okay FM on Friday, January 10, 2025, Carbonu noted that while Free SHS has provided undeniable benefits, the current economic situation makes it unsustainable in its present form.

“It is the view of NAGRAT that Free SHS should be reviewed. Even after exams are written, the government struggles to pay for the marking of scripts. We are carrying something we are not financially capable of supporting,” he stated.

Feeding Challenges and Delayed Allocations

Mr Carbonu highlighted ongoing food shortages in senior high schools, with headmasters urging parents to provide additional food for their children. He criticised the government's reliance on the National Food Buffer Stock Company, citing delayed food allocations that have exacerbated the problem.

“Students now rely heavily on pocket money and provisions from their families. If you want your child to eat well and sleep comfortably, you should pay for it,” he said, clarifying that this proposal addresses specific boarding costs rather than reintroducing school fees.

Targeted Support for Needy Families
To ensure equity, Mr Carbonu proposed that the government offer targeted bursaries for financially distressed families rather than blanket subsidies. “This way, we can focus on those who truly need help and avoid overstretching the system,” he explained.

Call for Transparency and Dialogue
The NAGRAT President urged the government to engage stakeholders in a national economic dialogue to address the challenges facing the Free SHS programme. He stressed the need for transparency regarding Ghana's financial constraints.

“Our inability to tell the truth is why we are in this situation. If Ghana's finances improve, we can offer Free SHS to all, but for now, we must stop deceiving ourselves,” he stated.

The remarks echo similar concerns raised by the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary School (CHASS), which has also called for parental assistance in addressing feeding challenges in schools.

Source: Graphic.com.gh