The Institute for Education Studies (IFEST) has recommended a review of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, suggesting that parents bear part of the cost to ensure its sustainability and effectiveness.
This proposal follows an appeal by the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) to the Ministry of Education to release overdue funds critical to the smooth operation of SHSs as they prepare to reopen for the 2025 academic year.
In a communiqué signed by CHASS National Secretary, Primus Baro, the group expressed frustration over unpaid arrears for perishable items, utility bills, and other essentials, which continue to hinder the functioning of schools.
The communiqué cited earlier correspondences dated September 20, 2024, and August 12, 2024, as well as unfulfilled assurances from the Minister of Education during a Zoom meeting on December 18, 2024.
CHASS warned that without the release of these funds, reopening schools as scheduled on January 3, 2025, would be jeopardized, affecting the quality of education, infrastructure maintenance, and student welfare.
Speaking on Monday, Patrick Danquah, Deputy Director of IFEST, emphasized the need for an urgent reassessment of the Free SHS policy to address these challenges.
“Free SHS needs to be reviewed so that they can relook at the element of taking part of the cost and allowing the parents who were handling the costs better to continue to handle it the way they did,” Danquah stated.
The Free SHS policy, a flagship initiative of the government, has faced criticism over its funding challenges, with stakeholders calling for reforms to ensure its long-term success.
The latest developments highlight the growing concerns within the education sector as schools gear up for the new academic year.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
Comments