Senior Lecturer at Central University, Rev. Dr. Godson Ahiabor has called for a review of the Free Senior High School (FSHS) policy to ensure its sustainability and effectiveness.
The Free Senior High School policy, introduced in 2017, aims to provide access to secondary education for all Ghanaian students at no cost. While it has increased enrollment, concerns about funding and resource availability continue to be a major hinderance to the implementation of the policy.
Speaking on GHOne TV with Lily Mohammed, he emphasized that reviewing the policy does not mean canceling it but rather assessing its feasibility and long-term impact. “I wouldn’t say it’s over-ambitious, but let’s all assess it. Review does not mean cancellation,” he stated.
Dr. Ahiabor highlighted several challenges affecting the Free SHS program, including financial difficulties in paying the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to release students’ results, complaints from students, and threats by headmasters to close down schools due to inadequate resources.
He acknowledged the positive intent behind the policy but questioned its sustainability. “The concept of Free SHS is good, but let’s all come together and judge. Free is good, but is it sustainable? If it is free but the quality of education is going to fall, then what is the essence?” he asked.
Dr. Ahiabor urged the government to reconsider how the policy is implemented to prevent excessive financial strain on the nation. “The concept is good but can we do it that it will not saddle the nation with debt? It is good, but let’s hasten slowly, let’s review it and see what is doable,” he advised.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Deborah Amuzu
