Executive Director of Child Rights International Calls for Caution in Modifying Free SHS Policy
Bright Appiah, the Executive Director of Child Rights International, has urged the government to tread carefully when considering any modifications to the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy. Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Appiah emphasized that the Free SHS programme was created to remove financial barriers to secondary education, fostering inclusivity and equal opportunities for all Ghanaian students.
While acknowledging the challenges that have accompanied the policy since its implementation in 2017, Mr. Appiah highlighted the substantial benefits of the Free SHS initiative, which cannot be overlooked. He stressed that, despite the hurdles, the programme has provided access to education for many students who would otherwise have been excluded due to financial constraints.
“The Free SHS programme has helped a lot of students who would not have had access to secondary education,” Mr. Appiah stated. “However, challenges like overcrowding, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of teaching materials have posed difficulties. These issues, while significant, should not overshadow the overall benefits the policy brings.”
In response to the calls for potential reforms to the Free SHS policy, particularly regarding suggestions that parents should contribute to the costs of feeding and accommodation, Mr. Appiah underscored the importance of involving all relevant stakeholders in any review process. He suggested that a broad-based dialogue be held with education experts, parents, health workers, and other key stakeholders to address the concerns surrounding the policy.
“It is crucial that the right professionals and stakeholders, such as educators, health workers, and those with expertise in feeding and accommodation, are included in any discussions on how to improve the Free SHS programme,” he said. “We need to identify solutions that ensure the programme is not only sustainable but also effective in achieving its goal of improving education outcomes.”
Mr. Appiah further pointed out that one of the key issues hindering the success of the policy is poor management, which he described as the “biggest bane” of the initiative. He called for the establishment of a more structured and comprehensive management system to oversee the Free SHS programme, emphasizing that such a system should focus on developing effective learning outcomes, better resource allocation, and improved student welfare.
“We need a better management system in place,” he urged. “This system should ensure that the resources are distributed properly, that learning outcomes are enhanced, and that the needs of students are effectively addressed. If we are serious about sustaining the policy, these are the areas that require urgent attention.”
The Free SHS policy, introduced by the Akufo-Addo-led administration in 2017, has been a cornerstone of the government’s educational reforms, but it has also faced criticism over logistical challenges. Among the primary concerns have been overcrowded classrooms, insufficient infrastructure, and inadequate teaching materials, which have hindered the full potential of the programme.
As debates continue over how to improve the policy, Mr. Appiah cautioned against making decisions that could undermine the programme’s core objectives. He stressed that any modifications should be aimed at refining the system, not dismantling it.
“We should not destroy the policy or do anything that will undermine it,” he warned. “While there are issues, the Free SHS programme has made a significant impact in providing access to education. Our focus should be on sustaining and improving it, not undoing the progress that has been made.”
In light of Mr. Appiah’s comments, it is clear that any proposed changes to the Free SHS policy must be approached with caution, ensuring that the ultimate goal of enhancing education for all Ghanaian students remains at the forefront of any decision-making process.
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