The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has raised concerns over the current state of Ghana’s Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, calling for a critical review if pressing challenges such as food shortages, accommodation struggles, and inconsistent academic calendars persist.
During a courtesy visit by Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu at the Manhyia Palace, the Asantehene questioned the effectiveness of the policy, emphasizing that its sustainability must be reassessed to ensure students receive quality education.
“If students under the Free SHS policy are not receiving proper meals due to food shortages, facing accommodation difficulties, and experiencing frequent interruptions in their studies, then the policy needs to be reconsidered. Either it should be reviewed for those who can afford to pay, or these challenges must be addressed,” Otumfuo stated.
His remarks reflect growing concerns among parents, educators, and students regarding the Free SHS program, a flagship government initiative designed to provide equitable access to secondary education. Critics argue that while the policy has increased enrollment, it has also exposed deep infrastructural and logistical deficiencies.
In response, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu acknowledged the ongoing difficulties and assured the Asantehene that the government is committed to resolving them. He revealed that steps are being taken to improve feeding programs, enhance accommodation facilities, and streamline the academic calendar to ensure a more effective implementation of the policy.
The Free SHS policy, introduced to bridge the educational gap and provide opportunities for all Ghanaian students, remains a key political and social issue. While some stakeholders advocate for its continuation with necessary improvements, others believe a partial cost-sharing approach could ease the financial burden on the government and enhance efficiency.
As discussions on the future of Free SHS continue, many will be watching closely to see how the government navigates these concerns to secure both access to education and its long-term sustainability.
