A member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Manifesto Committee on Education, Dr Clement Apaak, has revealed that despite the significant financial investment in the Free Senior High School (SHS) programme, it remains heavily indebted to its suppliers.
Speaking during the third edition of Adom TV’s Badwam Sectorial Debate held at the Accra Digital Center on Friday, he said from 2017 to 2024, over 15 billion Ghana cedis have been allocated to the programme.
However, Dr. Apaak noted that, this has not prevented the accumulation of debt to suppliers, including those providing food, uniforms, and tablets.
“Cumulatively, the budget allocation from 2017 to 2024 is slightly above 15 billion Ghana cedis that have been allocated for free SHS but despite all of this, the free SHS programme is indebted to suppliers. They are owing food supplier uniforms/apparel and tablets over 5 billion Ghana cedis,” he stated.
The Builsa South Member of Parliament also cited several challenges in the secondary education sector, including inadequate academic infrastructure due to the refusal to use completed E-blocks built by the NDC.
He pointed out that the double-track system, introduced to manage the growing student population, has led to a disorganized academic calendar, making it difficult for parents, students, and staff to plan adequately for semesters.
“There are various challenges in the secondary education sector including inadequate academic infrastructure due to the government’s refusal to use completed E-blocks, issues with the double-track system, poor quality or unwholesome food, insufficient academic and residential infrastructure, erratic academic calendar, poor or no WiFi connectivity, and overworked teaching and non-teaching staff. Additionally, there are widespread reports of examination malpractices and cheating,” he said.
In the tertiary education sector, Dr Apaak highlighted the inadequacy of residential and academic facilities and the limited funding opportunities for students.
He further emphasized the lack of dedicated financial support for students with disabilities in pursuing tertiary education.
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Source: Faridatu Seidu
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