Seven years since its implementation, the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy has proven to be a resounding success, increasing enrollment by 1.4 million students and reducing teenage pregnancy rates in rural areas.
National Coordinator of the Ghana National Education Campaign Coalition (GNECC), Bernice Mpere-Gyekye has lauded the government for this initiative.
Madam Mpere-Gyekye in an interview with Adom News cited its impact it has had on students who otherwise would have been denied access to education.
However, she also acknowledged the challenges in the policy’s rollout, including food shortages, lack of school uniforms, and overcrowding.
She is therefore advocating for a review of the policy to alleviate some of the burden on the government.
Madam Mpere-Gyekye disagrees with President Akufo-Addo’s suggestion that those who can afford it should opt for private schools.
She highlights the need for proper regulations in the educational system, particularly regarding scholarships, which she claims have been awarded to those with connections to people in power rather than brilliant but needy students.
She has called for a collaborative effort between the government, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to improve Ghana’s education sector.
As the debate on the FSHS policy continues, one thing is clear; it has been a game-changer in Ghana’s education sector, and with careful review and regulation, it has the potential to achieve even greater success.
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