Experts weigh in on the sustainability of Ghana’s Free SHS programme ; its costs, funding gaps, and reforms needed to safeguard quality and fiscal stability._
A Policy with Promise and Price Tag
Since its launch in 2017, Ghana’s Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy has opened educational doors to over a million additional young Ghanaians . The programme consumed some GHS 7.6 billion in a recent year — split about 55% from government coffers and 45% from petroleum-derived funding . Despite undeniable social gains, this massive cost raises serious questions about long-term viability.
Financing the Dream — Domestic Revenue or Debt Trap?
Dr Maxwell Opoku-Afari of the Bank of Ghana emphasises that sustaining Free SHS rests heavily on Ghana’s ability to mobilise domestic resources for both education and its rising infrastructure demands . Meanwhile, research by the International Growth Centre warns that without improvements in learning quality, the programme may only slightly boost per capita GDP (0.1%) — but with stronger outcomes, gains could jump to 10% .
Growing Pains: Overcrowding, Quality, and Inequity
Rapid enrolment has outstripped infrastructure capacity, forcing many schools into a dual-track academic calendar — a system that experts warn diminishes learning continuity and overall quality . Akwasi Addae Boahene, a curriculum and policy expert, highlighted how political motivations blurred the policy’s implementation, neglecting equity and relevance .
Oil Recession Looms Over Free SHS
Critical voices such as Steve Manteaw from GHEITI and Prof. Goski Alabi of UPSA caution against over-reliance on volatile oil revenues for education funding . Future shortfalls could force reallocation from healthcare, infrastructure, or debt service — with dangerous macroeconomic knock-on effects .
A Call for Reform and Diversification
1. Broader Funding Base
Experts suggest tapping into VAT, private sector contributions, PPPs, and alumni networks to lighten fiscal strain . Ghana must also expand tax compliance, especially among informal workers.
2. Modular & Targeted Expansion
Following Kenya and Uganda, policymakers could phase in Free SHS by region or income bracket, controlling expansion and maintaining quality .
3. Infrastructure and Teacher Investment
Sustainable growth requires more classrooms, dormitories, labs, and additional teachers to reduce urban–rural and class size disparities .
4. Monitoring & Digital Interventions
Stronger oversight and the integration of technologies like AI-driven analytics can ensure accountability in resource use and boost learning outcomes .
Final Analysis
Free SHS represents a bold step toward educational equity in Ghana — but it’s currently a fiscal tightrope. Experts caution that its continuation depends on diversifying funding, improving infrastructure, addressing quality, and prioritising evidence-driven reforms. The policy’s long-term success hinges on evolving from a populist initiative to a sustainable, accountable pillar of development.
Explore More
GALOP & Learning Outcomes: How Results‑Based Funding is Transforming Ghana’s Classrooms (internal link)
Ensuring Quality in Secondary Education: Insights from Addae-Boahene
Sustainable Financing Models for Education: VAT vs. Oil Dependency
Global Perspectives on Free Secondary Education (external link)
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