Clement Apaak Calls for a Review of the Free SHS Policy
Dr. Clement Apaak, Member of Parliament for Builsa South, has reiterated his call for a comprehensive review of Ghana’s Free Senior High School (SHS) policy. According to Dr. Apaak, while the policy has significantly improved access to secondary education, there are pressing concerns regarding its implementation, funding, and overall impact on education quality.
Dr. Apaak highlighted several challenges associated with the Free SHS policy, including:
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Overcrowding in Schools: Increased enrollment has led to congestion in classrooms and dormitories, affecting teaching and learning conditions.
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Inadequate Infrastructure: Many schools lack essential facilities such as classrooms, science labs, and dormitories, making it difficult to accommodate the growing student population.
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Quality of Education: Critics argue that while access has improved, the quality of education has been compromised due to inadequate teaching resources and logistical challenges.
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Funding Constraints: The government’s ability to sustain the program financially has been questioned, with periodic reports of food shortages and unpaid allowances for teachers.
Call for a Policy Review
Dr. Apaak has urged the government to conduct an independent assessment of the policy’s impact, identifying areas that require urgent intervention. He suggested:
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A review of the funding model to ensure sustainability.
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A targeted approach to support students based on financial need rather than a blanket free policy.
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Expansion of infrastructure to accommodate the growing number of students.
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Provision of additional resources to improve teaching and learning conditions.
Government’s Response
While the government remains committed to the Free SHS policy, officials have acknowledged some of the challenges and pledged to address them. However, there is ongoing debate on whether a policy overhaul is necessary or if targeted adjustments would be sufficient.
Public Reactions
Education stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and policy analysts, have expressed mixed reactions to Dr. Apaak’s call for a review. While some agree that modifications are needed, others fear that any significant changes could disrupt access to education for thousands of students.
As discussions continue, the future of the Free SHS policy remains a critical topic in Ghana’s education and political landscape.
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