By Ashiadey Dotse
The Institute for Education Studies (IFEST) has urged the government to review the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, suggesting that parents should share part of the costs to ensure the program remains effective and sustainable.
This call follows concerns raised by the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) over delayed government funds needed for smooth school operations as they prepare to reopen for the 2025 academic year.
In a statement signed by CHASS National Secretary, Primus Baro, the group pointed out repeated appeals made on September 20 and August 12, 2024, as well as assurances given by the Education Minister during a Zoom meeting on December 18, 2024. Despite these promises, the funds are yet to be released.
CHASS highlighted that unpaid arrears for perishable items, utility bills, and other essentials are severely affecting school operations. They warned that without these funds, reopening schools on January 3, 2025, would be difficult, potentially disrupting quality education, infrastructure maintenance, and student welfare.
Speaking on Channel One Newsroom, Patrick Danquah, Deputy Director of IFEST, emphasized the need for a policy review.
“Free SHS needs to be reviewed so that they can relook at the element of taking part of the cost and allowing the parents who were handling the costs better to continue to handle it the way they did,” he said.
The call for a policy review aims to address ongoing financial challenges and ensure that the Free SHS program delivers its intended benefits effectively.
