PTA Public Relations Officer Calls for Review of Free SHS Policy Amid Food Shortages in Secondary Schools

Irene Sam, the Public Relations Officer of the Parents Teachers Association (PTA), has urged for a timely review of the current Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy, citing the challenges plaguing the second-cycle education sector. According to Mrs. Sam, a review is essential to address various concerns, including persistent food shortages, which continue to affect many secondary schools across the country.

Her comments came after Primus Baro, the General Secretary of the Conference of Heads of Assisted Senior High Schools (CHASS), appealed to parents and guardians to assist their wards with food when they return to school. Baro’s plea highlighted the dire situation at some schools, where inadequate provisions have left students struggling to access basic meals.

In an exclusive interview on Adom TV’s The Big Agenda with Nana Osei Ampofo Adjei, Mrs. Sam underscored the urgency of revisiting the Free SHS policy to better accommodate the needs of both students and schools. She pointed out that while the policy has been instrumental in increasing access to education, it has also come with a number of challenges that need to be addressed.

A Dire Need for Immediate Attention

Mrs. Sam noted that the issue of food shortages in secondary schools has been a growing concern. Prior to the Christmas break, several Assisted Senior High Schools raised alarms over inadequate food supplies. In response, the PTA organized a tour to investigate the situation on the ground and explore how parents could step in to help. However, she expressed her frustration that CHASS denied the PTA access to schools during this visit.

“We are not happy about the situation in the schools,” Mrs. Sam stated. “As a Parents Association, we have asked parents to support their children with food when they are going back to school, so that in case the schools are unable to provide food for them, the children will not go hungry.” Her statement underscores the growing concern of parents who are feeling the weight of this responsibility in light of the food shortages.

ALSO READ: GES Directs Issuance of Outstanding Promotion Letters for Lower Ranks and Principal Grades

Call for Collaborative Solutions

Mrs. Sam further emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government, schools, and parents to improve the education system. She pointed out that education is a shared responsibility, and while the government has a central role to play, parents also need to step up to ease the burden. In her view, the policy should be adjusted to allow parents who are financially able to contribute to their children’s education, thus reducing the pressure on government resources.

“We cannot leave everything in the hands of the government. At least the policy should be reviewed so that parents who can pay will do so to ease the burden on the government and make the policy better,” Mrs. Sam argued.

This call for a review of the Free SHS policy comes amid increasing concerns about its sustainability, particularly as the government continues to face fiscal pressures. A re-examination of the policy could lead to more effective solutions, including better resource allocation and more targeted support for schools facing specific challenges.

Conclusion

The PTA’s call for a review of the Free Senior High School policy reflects the growing concerns of parents and educators about the current state of the education system. With food shortages and other challenges facing secondary schools, there is a pressing need for a comprehensive assessment of how the policy can be strengthened to ensure the long-term success of Ghana’s secondary education sector. It is clear that finding a balanced approach that involves both government and parental contributions is key to alleviating some of the current burdens and ensuring that students receive the education they deserve.

Join our WHATSAPP CHANNEL, WHATSAPP GROUP 1, WHATSAPP GROUP 2 and TELEGRAM CHANNEL to get all relevant teaching resources to make your lessons effective.

Subscribe to this blog and follow us on facebook