Ghana’s Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, a groundbreaking initiative implemented in 2017, has been lauded for significantly expanding access to secondary education. The program aimed to eliminate financial barriers that prevented many Ghanaian children from pursuing higher education, resulting in a marked increase in enrollment rates. However, as the program matures, its sustainability and long-term effectiveness have come under scrutiny, prompting calls for a comprehensive review from influential voices, including the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and prominent education experts. The Asantehene’s call for evaluation highlights the need to address emerging challenges while preserving the policy’s core objective of providing equal opportunities for all Ghanaian students.
The Asantehene, a respected figure in Ghanaian society, has suggested a revised funding model for the Free SHS program, advocating for a mixed-support system that balances government funding with contributions from families who can afford to invest in their children’s education. This proposed approach seeks to alleviate the financial burden on the government while ensuring that resources are directed towards students from less privileged backgrounds who genuinely require financial assistance. This echoes previous models of educational support that incorporated bursaries and targeted assistance, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder any student’s access to quality education. The Asantehene’s proposal underscores the importance of shared responsibility in funding education, recognizing that a collaborative approach can ensure both sustainability and equitable access.
A central concern highlighted by the Asantehene revolves around the infrastructural challenges plaguing senior high schools across the country. The rapid increase in student enrollment, while a testament to the policy’s success, has strained existing infrastructure, leading to overcrowded dormitories, a shortage of essential facilities like science and ICT labs, and inadequate transportation. These deficiencies not only compromise the well-being of students but also threaten the quality of education provided under the Free SHS program. The Asantehene’s emphasis on these infrastructural gaps underscores the urgent need for investment in educational facilities to accommodate the growing student population and ensure a conducive learning environment.
Further compounding these challenges is the issue of food shortages reported in some senior high schools, impacting students’ nutrition and overall well-being. Coupled with transportation difficulties due to a limited number of school buses, these logistical hurdles create additional burdens for students and their families, potentially undermining the positive impact of the Free SHS initiative. Addressing these logistical and resource-related issues is crucial not only for the program’s success but also for ensuring that students can fully benefit from the educational opportunities provided.
Professor Peter Quartey, Director of the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), has echoed the Asantehene’s call for a comprehensive policy review, adding further weight to the growing consensus among educational experts. This shared concern underscores the urgency of addressing the fundamental challenges confronting the Free SHS program. The combined voices of traditional leadership and academic expertise emphasize the need for a national dialogue that engages all stakeholders – government officials, educators, parents, and students – to chart a sustainable path forward for the program.
A thorough review of the Free SHS policy presents an opportunity to not only address the current challenges but also to refine and enhance the program’s long-term effectiveness. This review should encompass a comprehensive assessment of the funding model, infrastructural needs, resource allocation, and the overall quality of education being delivered. The goal is to ensure that the Free SHS program remains a viable and impactful initiative, fulfilling its promise of providing quality secondary education for all Ghanaian children, regardless of their financial background. The insights and recommendations from the Asantehene and other experts offer valuable guidance for this critical evaluation, paving the way for a more sustainable and equitable future for education in Ghana.
