The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has expressed concerns over the challenges facing Ghana’s Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, suggesting that a review may be necessary if issues such as food shortages, accommodation struggles, and inconsistent academic calendars persist.
Speaking at the Manhyia Palace during a courtesy visit by education minister Haruna Iddrisu, the Asantehene questioned the effectiveness of the policy in its current state.
“If the students will go to school under the Free SHS policy and would not be fed due to food shortage, face accommodation challenges, and vacate after few days in school, then it would be better to cancel the policy. Or it can be reviewed for those who can afford to pay for it,” he stated.
His remarks come amid growing concerns from parents, educators, and students about the sustainability of the Free SHS program, which has been a flagship initiative of the government.
Minister of Education Haruna Iddrisu acknowledged the challenges and assured the Asantehene that the government is committed to resolving them.
He revealed that his ministry is working on interventions to improve feeding, accommodation, and overall management of the policy to enhance its effectiveness.
The Free SHS policy, introduced to ensure equal access to secondary education, has faced criticisms over infrastructural deficits and logistical issues.
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