The debate surrounding the future of Ghana’s Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy has intensified, with a National Democratic Congress (NDC) communicator sparking controversy by urging parents to refrain from pressuring President John Dramani Mahama to prioritize the program. The communicator, speaking on social media, emphasized that President Mahama’s primary focus is the implementation of his ambitious 24-hour economy policy, a strategy aimed at boosting economic activity and creating jobs across the country. This policy, according to the NDC, is crucial for long-term national development and will ultimately benefit all Ghanaians, including students. The communicator suggested that parents who cannot afford secondary education for their children should consider staggering their children’s enrollment, prioritizing one child at a time, as was common practice before the introduction of Free SHS. This statement has drawn criticism from some quarters, with opponents interpreting it as a lack of commitment to accessible education.
The NDC’s stance on Free SHS has been a subject of intense political debate since the policy’s inception. While acknowledging the program’s noble intentions, the NDC has consistently criticized its implementation under the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration, citing issues such as inadequate infrastructure, teacher shortages, and the double-track system, which divides the academic year into two semesters for different student cohorts, ostensibly to manage increased enrollment. The NDC argues that these challenges have compromised the quality of education and placed undue strain on the national budget. They propose a comprehensive review of the policy, aiming to address these shortcomings and ensure its long-term sustainability without compromising educational standards.
The communicator’s statement underscores the NDC’s prioritization of economic stability and growth as the foundation for sustainable social programs, including education. The 24-hour economy policy, they argue, represents a fundamental shift towards maximizing productivity and creating employment opportunities, which would ultimately empower families to invest in their children’s education without undue financial strain. This approach, they contend, addresses the root causes of educational inequality by strengthening the overall economy and providing a more sustainable pathway to accessible and quality education for all. The NDC’s argument hinges on the belief that a robust economy is a prerequisite for effective social programs and that prioritizing economic growth will ultimately benefit all sectors, including education.
The NDC Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has reiterated the party’s commitment to reviewing, rather than cancelling, the Free SHS policy. He emphasized the NDC’s intention to refine and enhance the program to improve educational outcomes, addressing the challenges that have emerged since its implementation. Asiedu Nketia dismissed allegations of the NDC’s intention to abolish Free SHS, labeling them as political propaganda by the NPP. He maintained that the party remains committed to making the policy more effective and sustainable, ensuring its long-term viability while addressing its current challenges. This clarification aims to allay fears and reassure the public that the NDC recognizes the importance of free secondary education but seeks a more efficient and sustainable implementation model.
The controversy surrounding Free SHS highlights the complexities of balancing social programs with economic realities. The NDC’s approach emphasizes the importance of a strong economic foundation as a prerequisite for sustainable social development. Their argument is that a thriving economy creates the resources necessary to fund and maintain crucial programs like Free SHS effectively. By prioritizing economic growth through initiatives like the 24-hour economy policy, the NDC aims to create a more stable and prosperous environment, which, in their view, will ultimately benefit all sectors of society, including education. This approach reflects a long-term perspective, focusing on building a sustainable foundation for future generations.
The debate over Free SHS is likely to continue as the 2024 general elections approach. The NDC’s position, emphasizing economic growth as the underpinning for sustainable social programs, presents a contrasting perspective to the NPP’s focus on immediate access to free secondary education. The ongoing discussion underscores the challenges of implementing and sustaining ambitious social programs within the context of limited resources and competing priorities. The ultimate outcome will depend on the electorate’s assessment of the different approaches and their perceived impact on the long-term well-being of the nation. The future of Free SHS remains a key issue for Ghanaian voters, and the debate will undoubtedly play a significant role in the upcoming elections.
