Minority in Parliament Demands Inclusion of Private Schools in Free SHS Programme

By
Ellis Ferdinand
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Free SHS Walk 2024 Scheduled for minority December 4: Highlights from Sewua Junction to Aputuogya
Free SHS Walk 2024 Scheduled for December 4: Highlights from Sewua Junction to Aputuogya

Ferdinand | EducationGhana |  January 15| Minority in Parliament Demands Inclusion of Private Schools in Free SHS Programme

 The Minority in Parliament is urging President Mahama and Finance Minister-designate Dr. Ato Forson to fulfill their campaign promise of including private Senior High Schools in the Free SHS programme. Read more on the latest developments and the history of Free SHS in Ghana.

 

History of the Free SHS Programme in Ghana

 

The Free Senior High School (Free SHS) Programme was launched in 2017 by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government under President Nana Akufo-Addo.

This initiative aimed to provide free secondary education for all Ghanaian students, covering costs such as tuition, textbooks, boarding, and other essential fees.

The goal was to remove financial obstacles that kept many students from obtaining quality secondary education.

Government Commitments and Challenges

 

Since its launch, the Free SHS policy has encountered several challenges, including funding shortages, overcrowded classrooms, and logistical issues. Nevertheless, successive governments have expressed their commitment to maintaining and enhancing the programme.

In the lead-up to the 2024 general elections, President John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) pledged to broaden the Free SHS policy to encompass private Senior High Schools, contending that their exclusion restricts educational access for numerous students.

 

Minority in Parliament Calls for Expansion of Free SHS to Private Schools

The Minority in Parliament has expressed significant worries about the exclusion of private Senior High Schools (SHS) from the Free SHS programme. They are calling on President John Dramani Mahama and Finance Minister-designate Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson to honor their 2024 campaign promise to incorporate private institutions into the policy.

 

Concerns Over Exclusion of Private SHS

 

During a press conference, Dr. Gideon Boako, the Member of Parliament for Tano North, expressed his concerns regarding Dr. Ato Forson’s dismissive attitude during his vetting on January 13, 2025.

Dr. Boako pointed out that when asked about the possibility of extending the Free SHS programme to private schools, the Minister-designate seemed evasive, questioning whether students from private SHS take the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

“When I asked if the programme would be expanded to private schools, the Minister-designate responded in a dismissive way, questioning whether those private schools participate in WASSCE exams,” Dr. Boako recounted, stressing that many private SHS students do indeed take the WASSCE.

Campaign Promises Under Scrutiny

Dr. Boako reminded President Mahama and the NDC government that during the 2024 election campaign, they had promised private school leaders that they would be included in the Free SHS programme.

“If President Mahama and the NDC were aware that no private SHS students take WASSCE exams, why did they make promises to include them in the Free SHS programme?” he asked, pointing out the increasing frustration among private schools waiting for policy implementation.

 

Call for Immediate Action

The Minority in Parliament is urging Dr. Ato Forson to provide clarification and is calling on the government to take prompt action to ensure equitable access to Free SHS for all Ghanaian students, including those in private institutions.

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