By Kofi Asare, Executive Director of Africa Education Watch (Eduwatch), believes that the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) government is best positioned to review the Free Senior High School (SHS) Policy.
He argues that since the policy is the flagship program of the party and has been highly politicized, any attempt by future governments to evaluate it to meet current needs could be perceived as “undermining the policy”.
Mr. Asare urged the government to promptly conduct a review of the policy. Such action would not only demonstrate the government’s commitment to improving the policy in the face of challenges but also garner favor among Ghanaians.
He made these remarks during the second edition of JoyNews’ Ghana Connect Townhall Meeting in the Ashanti region on March 26.
“I have always maintained that the best government to review the Senior High School policy is the current government. Because of the politicised nature of the policy, it becomes quite difficult for a new government to come and review it because it will simply be like you are going to spoil it,” he said.
He elaborated that the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) was cognizant of this situation, hence their cautious approach whenever they discussed education, particularly regarding the notion of a comprehensive review.
“If you looked at the approach and the recommendations being made by the NDC, they are not talking about any extensive review, they are only talking about ‘we will add private schools’, but the core issue of allowing those who have the capacity to pay something has been avoided.
“Because both parties appreciate that, and I also know that Ghanaians love their ‘free’ regardless of the ramifications. So, I believe that the current government is the best government to start the review.
“And that is why I am happy that in the January report of the IMF, our government committed to review the Free Senior High School,” he added.
