The Chief Executive Officer of Mikaddo Holdings Limited, Dr Michael Agyekum Addo, has strongly advised the government to do all it can to sustain the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy.
According to Dr Agyekum Addo, he believes that the central government cannot continue to absorb all the expenses incurred under the free shs policy. He therefore called on other stakeholders to help sustain the policy.
“To me, the free education, no matter how and its form , it’s up to the government to review and sustain it.
“If I would wish that we review this Free SHS policy, I will say that day schooling should be encouraged. So that it could cut down the cost of the feeding.”
Dr Agyekum
Speaking in a media interview, Dr Agyekum Addo indicated that, every community that has the day school should be able to assist, especially through the Parent-Teacher Association. He further noted that, old students and some parents can help the schools, especially with books.
“Right now, I hear the government saying nobody should assist: ‘I, the government can take up everything, ith that one, I beg to differ’.
“So, I think that if there should be any review in that area, that is food and books, we should encourage others to support.”
Dr Agyekum
Dr Agyekum stated that When the citizens continue to depend on the government for everything, the government becomes poorer. He indicated that the private sector should be encouraged to come on board to assist.
“The review needs to be done now so that it can be sustainable, because it is very important for the poor but brilliant students to have this Free SHS education.”
Dr Agyemkum
Free Senior High School Policy
The Free Senior High School policy (Free SHS) education policy in Ghana is a government initiative introduced in the 2017 September by the Nana Addo led government.
The policy’s origination began as part of the President’s presidential campaign during Ghana’s 2016 election period, and has become an essential part of Ghana’s educational system.
The Free Senior High School program implemented in September 2017 according to government, provided hope to children who otherwise could not have furthered their education after junior high school mostly due to cost barriers.
The Government abolished fees for Senior High School (SHS) as of the 2017-18 academic year, in line with the ruling party’s campaign promise. Under the new policy, the government covers all fees for students admitted to public senior and vocational high schools, including boarding fees, meals, textbooks and other charges.
This major policy initiative provides a unique opportunity for needy but very briliant students who have passed their Basic Education Certificate Examinination(BECE) to further their education in the senior high school.
According to the Ministry of Education, in the 2017/18 academic year, a new record was set with the highest enrolment ever seen in the country: over 470,000 students enrolled in senior high school. That year, there was an 11% increase in enrolment, breaking records from previous years.
