Education think tank, Africa Education Watch (EduWatch), has called on Parliament to postpone the introduction of the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) Bill until comprehensive consultations are conducted with key stakeholders.
The organization expressed concerns over the government’s intention to present the Bill to Parliament on December 16, citing insufficient stakeholder engagement in the process.
In a statement issued on December 13, EduWatch stressed the need for inclusivity and transparency in developing policies that impact Ghana’s education system.
The group has urged the Education Minister, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, to lead discussions with relevant parties, including education experts, civil society organizations, and parent-teacher associations, to ensure the Bill reflects a broad consensus.
“Parliament should defer deliberations on the Bill until consultations are held. In the spirit of inclusive policy governance, we urge the Minister of Education to convene stakeholder consultative meetings and engage education civil society organizations, development partners, parents, and teachers,” EduWatch stated.
The Free Senior High School Bill, 2024, drafted by the Ministry of Education, seeks to provide legal backing for free and compulsory education at the Senior High School level.
EduWatch believes thorough consultations are essential to addressing potential policy gaps and fostering national support for the initiative.
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