Professor Enoch Opoku Antwi, Dean of Academic City University, sparked a crucial conversation as Chairman of the Free SHS Policy Reform Dialogue in Accra, organized by YAFO Institute. He emphasized that while free Senior High School education is beneficial, Ghana’s implementation is uniquely expensive, surpassing the cost of basic education.
Touching on challenges facing the Free SHS policy, Professor Antwi highlighted nine (9) key challenges:
Inadequate Infrastructure
Inadequate Funding
Increased Teacher Workload
Classroom and Dining Hall Congestions_
High Student-Teacher Ratio
Inefficient Food Supply System
Inflated Food Prices
Corruption
Lack of Accountability
He questioned whether the free SHS policy has improved learning outcomes, enhanced accountability, and ensured equity at all levels of education. Professor Antwi stressed the need for a thorough examination of the policy’s effectiveness and its financial implications.
The Cost of Free SHS
Prof Antwi also pointed out that Ghana’s government has borrowed GHs761 billion, with only GHs10 billion allocated to the free SHS program over six years. This amounts to merely 1.3% of the borrowed funds. Professor Antwi asked, “What is the rest of the money being used for?”
Policy Framing and Accountability
Professor Antwi emphasized that policy-making requires careful consideration of costs and revenue components. He urged policymakers to provide a clear blueprint for funding and accountability, ensuring that future governments can build upon existing foundations.
On his part, Nathaniel Dwamena, President of YAFO Institute, shared key findings from a recent research study on the unintended consequences of Ghana’s Free SHS policy on household poverty.
Unintended Consequences
The study revealed that the policy, intended to reduce financial burdens, has instead brought additional costs to parents, including:
Extra classes and fees.
Accommodation and feeding costs.
Unofficial fees for enrollment.
Frequent visits to schools due to short stays.
Parental Satisfaction
According to Mr Dwamena, only 41% of parents found the policy helpful, while 58% opposed the double-track system. 14% suggested canceling the policy altogether.
Financial Burden
62% of parents reported being unable to save due to the policy, with those who saved averaging only 13 Ghana cedis per month.
Recommendations
Furthermore, YAFO Institute’s president, enumerated the following as the Institute’s proposals:
Decentralized scholarship programs.
Public-private partnerships to utilize private sector infrastructure.
Involving headmasters in recommending beneficiaries
Research Methodology
The study sampled 130 parents and eight (8) schools from three regions: Northern Belt (Upper West and Northern), Middle Belt (Asante and Bono East), and Southern Belt (Greater Accra and Cape Coast).
On Timing and Relevance, Mr Dwamena emphasized the research’s relevance ahead of the election year, stating that citizens must make informed decisions. “The study focuses on beneficiaries’ experiences, rather than political affiliations.The YAFO Institute’s research aims to spark intellectual discussions and policy reforms, prioritizing results over intentions”, he added.
The Way Forward
The dialogue aims to foster an intellectual discussion, separating facts from emotions and party affiliations. By examining the challenges and benefits of the free SHS policy, stakeholders can work together to address the issues and create a more effective, sustainable education system for Ghana.
By Kingsley Asiedu
