The National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) has renewed its calls for a revision of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, proposing that parents contribute to feeding and accommodation costs.
NAGRAT President Angel Carbonu emphasized that Ghana is facing significant economic challenges, making it unsustainable to continue offering certain social benefits for free.
In an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, he highlighted the current food shortages in some senior high schools, warning that a lack of restocking could lead to serious problems.
“The problem in the schools currently is that there is a food shortage and there will be trouble if we don’t restock. We have been classified as the second indebted country to the IMF and at this point, this country cannot sustain any measure in shape or form like subsidies on water, electricity, or education,” Mr. Carbonu stated.
While acknowledging that he is not the Finance Minister, he stressed the importance of facing economic realities.
“If what the president says is the finality, then there should not be any stakeholder forum. The politicians must rule without any support,” he added.
Mr. Carbonu further cited the decision by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to withhold the 2024 WASSCE results due to government debt as evidence of financial strain.
“Let us accept that this free SHS thing is pure politics,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, President John Mahama has assured Ghanaians that his administration will sustain and enhance the Free SHS policy.
Speaking at the 92nd Annual Jalsa (Convention) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission at Pomadze in the Central Region, he pledged to address overcrowding in schools, complete abandoned projects, and improve Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) education.
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