
Dr. Banabas Addai Amanfo, a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Educational Leadership at Akenten Appiah Menka University of Skills and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), has emphasized that high expenditure should not serve as an excuse for the government to shift the burden of feeding and accommodation fees to parents at the Senior High School level.
According to Dr. Amanfo, Ghanaian children deserve access to quality education, and the costs associated with the Free SHS policy should not deter the government from maintaining and improving it. He urged the government to explore sustainable financing options to ensure the policy’s continuity.
Dr. Amanfo made these remarks during a discussion on Kumasi-based OTEC 102.9 FM's morning show, "Nyansapo," on Tuesday, January 14, 2024.
His comments come in response to proposals by some stakeholders in the education sector suggesting that parents should pay feeding fees. Many experts, however, have argued that such measures could compromise the quality of education and exacerbate existing inequalities.
Instead of passing costs onto parents, Dr. Amanfo and other experts advocate for the exploration of alternative funding sources that could generate significant revenue for the government. By securing sustainable funding, the government can ensure the Free SHS policy remains viable and continues to provide quality education to all Ghanaian children.