In a recent interview with the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), John Dramani Mahama, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, articulated his proposal to dismantle the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) Secretariat, targeting issues related to corruption and mismanagement within its operations. Mahama’s critique is rooted in the belief that the current administration of the Free SHS policy is fraught with inefficiencies that stem from a lack of proper oversight. His position underscores the necessity for a more strategic and accountable management structure that aligns with established educational authorities in Ghana.
Mahama’s vision includes transferring the management of the Free SHS initiative to the Ghana Education Service (GES), a move he argues would facilitate better governance and accountability. He contends that GES, being a recognized authority in the educational sector, possesses the capacity to oversee the Free SHS program more effectively than the existing standalone Secretariat. The shift, he asserts, would integrate the program into a comprehensive educational framework, which could address the current fragmentation and inefficiencies that plague the initiative.
In his comments, Mahama alluded to the need for a thorough review of the existing problems surrounding the policy implementation. He emphasized the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to diagnose the lapses and devise effective solutions going forward. He expressed concern over the sitting government’s propensity for waste, suggesting that it engages in duplicative efforts and creates unnecessary bureaucratic positions rather than focusing on streamlining and improving educational services. This critique highlights his view that the current approach lacks the strategic foresight necessary for the effective administration of educational policies.
Part of Mahama’s argument also hinges on the assertion that the Free SHS Secretariat has been marred by allegations of corruption and mismanagement. He stated that the reports of wrongdoing within the Secretariat necessitate an urgent reevaluation of its structure and function. By advocating for an administrative transfer to GES, Mahama aims to foster an environment where educational policies can be implemented with greater transparency and efficiency, ultimately benefiting students and educational stakeholders across Ghana.
Moreover, Mahama reassured that even with the shift in management, roles such as the Senior High School coordinators would remain relevant, as their supervision would still be under the umbrella of GES. This indicates his approach is not aimed at disrupting existing educational roles but rather at reforming the administration to eliminate overlap and improve accountability. He underscored the GES’s established competencies and authority, suggesting that utilizing their framework would lead to more effective oversight of the Free SHS program.
In conclusion, Mahama’s proposal to abolish the Free SHS Secretariat and shift its management to the Ghana Education Service reflects a broader strategy of enhancing accountability and efficiency in educational governance. By addressing the systemic issues of corruption and mismanagement, he aims to reestablish trust in the educational policy framework and ensure that resources are utilized effectively for the benefit of students and the educational system at large. His emphasis on collaboration and structured oversight presents a promising direction for discussions surrounding educational reforms in Ghana.
