Review Free SHS to allow those who can afford to pay – Asantehene

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has called for a comprehensive review of Ghana’s Free Senior High School (SHS) policy to ensure its long-term sustainability and effectiveness.

He made this important appeal during a recent courtesy call from the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, where the discussions centered on the current state and future of education in the country.

In his remarks, Otumfuo Osei Tutu proposed that families with the financial capability to cover their children’s educational expenses should be encouraged to contribute towards their schooling costs. This approach would allow government funds to be redirected towards supporting less privileged students who genuinely require assistance. He advocated for a mixed-support system reminiscent of previous models that awarded bursaries to deserving students, ensuring that those who can afford to pay for their education do so, while those in need receive the necessary support to pursue their academic goals.

The Asantehene acknowledged the significant benefits that the Free SHS policy, which was implemented in 2017 with the aim of eliminating financial barriers to secondary education, has brought about, particularly in terms of increasing enrollment rates. However, he emphasized the pressing need for a national dialogue focused on addressing the myriad challenges currently facing the program. Urgent concerns raised by Otumfuo Osei Tutu included infrastructure deficits and logistical hurdles that have adversely impacted senior high schools. He highlighted issues such as overcrowded dormitories that compromise student welfare, the absence of essential science and information and communication technology (ICT) laboratories, food shortages affecting students' nutrition, and an inadequate supply of school buses necessary for transportation.

These infrastructural challenges have the potential to undermine the quality of education provided under the Free SHS initiative, leading to questions about the program's overall efficacy. While the policy has successfully increased enrollment figures, ongoing discussions within educational circles continue to focus on the crucial aspects of funding sustainability and maintaining educational quality.

Additionally, Professor Peter Quartey, the Director of the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), has echoed Otumfuo Osei Tutu's call for a thorough review of the Free SHS policy. His insights reflect a growing consensus among educational experts that addressing the fundamental issues facing this initiative is essential for its continued success and the overall improvement of Ghana's educational landscape.