The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has called for a review of Ghana’s Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, suggesting that families who can afford it should contribute, allowing government resources to support students in genuine need.
Speaking during a courtesy call by the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, Otumfuo proposed a mixed-support system, similar to past practices where bursaries were awarded to needy but deserving students, while those who could afford it paid their way.
“Those who can afford to pay, let’s have a second look at the policy. If someone can afford it, let’s allow them to pay.
“In the old times, when you passed, the bursary would look for good but needy students and award them scholarships, and those who could afford to pay did so.”
While acknowledging the benefits of Free SHS, Otumfuo stressed the need for a national dialogue to address the program’s challenges and ensure its sustainability.
“This Free SHS we are talking about, although we have implemented it, if we have a dialogue and find out that it will result in students coming home every now and then because there is no food, then it is not fit for purpose.”
He also raised concerns about infrastructure and logistical challenges affecting senior high schools, including overcrowded dormitories, lack of science and ICT laboratories, food shortages, and inadequate school buses.
“Our dormitories are overcrowded and lack science and ICT labs. Sometimes PTA makes contributions to support. The lack of school buses and the shortage of food should all be looked at. Let us implement it well so that students will stay in school and have enough to eat.”
The Free SHS policy, introduced in 2017, aimed to remove financial barriers to secondary education. While it has increased enrollment, concerns remain about funding sustainability and educational quality.
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