With Ghana’s 2024 general elections looming, the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy has become a key issue in the manifestos of the two leading political parties. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have outlined their plans to address the challenges facing the policy.
The NPP has tripled its annual education sector spending since 2017, from GH¢6.9 billion to GH¢18.5 billion in 2023. The government has spent about GH¢128 billion on the policy, but it still faces significant challenges, including overcrowded classrooms, inadequate infrastructure, and concerns over educational quality.
The NDC has proposed abolishing the double-track system, extending free SHS to private schools, and providing a dedicated funding source for quality secondary education. The party also plans to embark on an emergency infrastructure drive to complete abandoned E-blocks and expand infrastructure in existing SHSs and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.
Despite the government’s efforts, the policy still faces significant challenges. Rapid implementation has strained resources, leading to concerns over educational quality. Students like Naa Adjeley Sowah, who has been in the double-track system for three years, are struggling to keep up with their peers in the single-track system.
The Free SHS policy aims to address financial inequalities and empower students from low-income households to pursue secondary education. However, its targeted approach has been criticized for not better addressing the needs of vulnerable groups.
To fully realize its potential, stakeholders must address challenges related to infrastructure, quality, and sustainability. Key factors such as government collaboration with the private sector and development partners will be crucial in ensuring the policy continues to empower future generations and contribute to Ghana’s socio-economic transformation.
By Samuel Baidoo
