The Ranking Member on Education Committee of Parliament, Peter Nortsu-Kotoe has called on government to decentralize the Free SHS programme. According to him, challenges inherent in running Senior High Schools are as a result of “over centralization” of the programme.
In a statement release, he averred that the teething problems has led to significant corruption in schools. He further revealed that government must resolve these challenges by incorporating stringent monitoring strategies.
“The over centralization of the Free SHS programme at the centre has accounted for the persistent challenges in the running of Senior High Schools in the country. Before the introduction of the programme in 2017; school authorities were given free hands in the management of funds in their schools.
“Unfortunately, the centralization of the disbursement of funds and procurement have also led to a large scale of corruption that continues to compromise the quality and quantity of items supplied”.
According to him, the release of funds to finance the implementation of the Free SHS policy has become a hurdle. This is because it has been unduly delayed by managers of the policy.
“The situation is making life and activities in our schools more troubling as school heads are unable to meet the huge demands that confront them.
“In view of this, we believe that management of the Free SHS policy, disbursement and procurement must be decentralized; with stringent monitoring mechanism to reduce the high rate of corruption in the system”.
Revamp Parent Teacher Association
The Akatsi North legislator further demanded a total overhaul of the Parents Teachers Association. According to him, this will enable them make effective decision in running the activities of the schools.
Additionally, he maintained that government must address the infrastructure needs of the schools to avert a looming crisis. Justifying his stance, he revealed that this is to decongest dormitories and classrooms and avoid the spread of infectious diseases.
“PTAs used to play very supportive roles in the development of Senior High Schools until the introduction of the Free SHS policy.
“And this must involve a committed effort on the part of government to address the infrastructure challenges”.
Grant GETFUND access to approved loan
In 2018, Parliament approved a loan facility of 1.5 billion dollars for the payment of contractors owed by GETFUND. This was towards the provision of new facilities for Senior High schools in the country.
Commenting on this, Mr. Nortsu-Kotoe averred that the Minister of Finance has put a “number of impediments in the way of GETFUND”. This, he explained, has made efforts in getting access to the facility difficult.
That notwithstanding, he suggested that GETFUND must also have access to the loan approved by parliament.
According to him, this will enable them “make payments to contractors toward the completion of stalled projects in schools”.
In concluding, he urged Ghanaians to demand from government the steps taken to improve the “living conditions of our children in schools across the country”.
Also, he admonished stakeholders to hold government accountable in ensuring children gain access to quality education.
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