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 vehemently opposed proposals suggesting that parents should bear the financial responsibility for feeding and accommodation costs at the Senior High School (SHS) level. He argues that the government’s commitment to providing free and quality education should not be undermined by concerns about high expenditure. Dr. Amanfo emphasizes that Ghanaian children have a fundamental right to quality education, and the Free SHS policy represents a crucial step towards realizing this right. Shifting the financial burden to parents, he contends, could jeopardize the policy’s success and perpetuate inequalities in access to education. He advocates for a more sustainable approach, urging the government to explore alternative funding mechanisms to ensure the long-term viability of the Free SHS policy.
The ongoing debate surrounding the financing of the Free SHS policy highlights the tension between the government’s commitment to providing free education and the significant financial resources required to sustain it. While acknowledging the challenges associated with funding such a comprehensive program, Dr. Amanfo maintains that cost should not be a barrier to ensuring that all Ghanaian children have access to quality education. He argues that the potential benefits of an educated populace far outweigh the financial investments required. He also points out that many developed countries prioritize education and invest heavily in their education systems, recognizing the crucial role education plays in national development. Therefore, he calls on the government to demonstrate similar commitment and prioritize funding for education, particularly the Free SHS policy.
Dr. Amanfo’s comments, made during a discussion on Kumasi-based OTEC 102.9 FM’s morning show, “Nyansapo,” on Tuesday, January 14, 2024, come in response to suggestions by some stakeholders that parents should contribute to the cost of their children’s education, specifically feeding fees. These proposals have sparked considerable controversy, with many experts expressing concerns about the potential negative repercussions of such measures. Critics argue that requiring parents to pay for feeding could create a two-tiered system, where students from wealthier families have access to better nutrition and, consequently, potentially better academic outcomes. This, they fear, could exacerbate existing inequalities and undermine the principle of equal access to education.
Furthermore, opponents of parental contributions argue that such a move would effectively reverse the progress made in expanding access to secondary education through the Free SHS policy. They contend that many families struggle to afford even basic necessities, and adding the burden of school fees could force some children to drop out of school altogether. This, in turn, would have long-term negative consequences for both individual students and the nation as a whole. Dr. Amanfo and other proponents of free education emphasize that education is an investment in the future and that ensuring all children have access to quality education is essential for national development.
Instead of shifting the financial burden to parents, Dr. Amanfo proposes that the government explore alternative avenues for generating revenue to support the Free SHS policy. He suggests exploring innovative funding mechanisms such as partnerships with private sector organizations, philanthropic contributions, and targeted taxes on specific industries. He also advocates for greater transparency and accountability in the management of funds allocated to the education sector, ensuring that resources are used efficiently and effectively. By diversifying funding sources and improving financial management, Dr. Amanfo believes the government can ensure the long-term sustainability of the Free SHS policy without compromising its core objective of providing free and quality education to all Ghanaian children.
In conclusion, Dr. Amanfo’s call for sustainable funding mechanisms for the Free SHS policy underscores the importance of investing in education as a critical driver of national development. He emphasizes that education is a fundamental right and that the government has a responsibility to ensure that all children have access to quality education, regardless of their socio-economic background. He urges the government to prioritize education funding and explore innovative approaches to resource mobilization to ensure the Free SHS policy remains viable and continues to benefit generations of Ghanaian children. By investing in education, Ghana can build a more prosperous and equitable future for all its citizens.
