“Families capable of paying for their children’s education should do so.”
The Free Senior High School (FSHS) policy that made the former Ghanaian President, Nana Akufo-Addo, a shining star in education provision worldwide is in danger of an uncertain future.
A major force in the country’s education sector, the Catholic Church has proposed at a forum that parents contribute to funding certain non-tuition costs, like school feeding programs, infrastructure maintenance, and extracurricular activities, to enhance the learning environment.
The Church also suggested stakeholder consultations involving the government, religious organizations, parents, and education experts to develop a sustainable model that ensures quality education while remaining affordable.
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has also voiced his concerns regarding the challenges facing the Free Senior High School (FSHS) program. His remarks highlight the pressing issues that need to be addressed to ensure a brighter future for the country’s students.
In a meeting with the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II affirmed the significance of the Free SHS policy while underscoring the critical need for a national discourse to resolve its present difficulties. He articulated concerns that obstacles such as dormitory overcrowding, food scarcity, inadequate science and ICT facilities, and a deficiency in school transport are impeding the policy’s complete success.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, advised the government of President John Mahama reassess key aspects of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy. He suggested that families capable of paying for their children’s education should do so, allowing government resources to be directed toward supporting gifted but underprivileged students.
With such voices from powerful stakeholders, only time will tell what the government’s policy of Resetting Ghana holds for FSHS – a policy that has enabled millions of children to have senior high education.
Story: Janet Ayethe
