Free SHS Implementation Fails to Deliver, Leaving Students and Parents Frustrated
In a bold and go-getting move to transform Ghana’s education landscape, the flagship free senior high school (free SHS) policy has been mired in a series of challenges, leaving students, parents, and education stakeholders deeply concerned about the programme’s effectiveness and long-term viability.
The free SHS initiative, championed by the then ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, was intended to provide universal access to secondary education, ensuring that no Ghanaian child is left behind. However, the reality on the ground paints a concerning picture, as the policy’s execution has been plagued by a multitude of missteps and unintended consequences that have eroded public confidence in the programme.
One of the most glaring issues is the introduction of the double-track system, a measure implemented to accommodate the influx of students into the secondary education system. Under this system, students are divided into two groups, with one group attending school for a specific period, while the other group remains at home. This has resulted in a significant reduction in contact hours, with students only spending a mere one month in school before being sent home for an extended three-month break.
“It’s been a complete disaster,” lamented Gifty Owusua Amankwah, a parent whose child is enrolled in the free SHS programme. “My child has been home for the past three months, and I’m forced to find the resources to enroll them in private classes just to keep up with the curriculum. This is not the free SHS we were promised, and it’s putting a tremendous strain on our family’s finances.”
Parents are rather spending more on their children’s stay at home because they have to take them for vacation classes, as well as other expenses such as feeding. It is even better to pay for the school fees and have the children remain in school for more contact hours than being at home, which academically affects them. For parents who are unable to afford to take their children for such vacation classes, their children are likely to fall behind academically, further widening the education gap.
The disruption to the academic calendar has been a major source of concern, as students struggle to maintain momentum and retain the knowledge they acquired during their brief time in school. The prolonged breaks have also placed a significant financial burden on parents, who are now required to allocate additional resources for supplementary education and childcare during the extended periods at home.
Moreover, the quality of education has come into question, with teachers and education experts expressing grave concerns about the impact of the reduced contact hours on students’ learning outcomes. “We are essentially sacrificing the future of our children for political gains,” said Dr. Angela Aku Tamakloe, a renowned education expert. “The double-track system is a Band-Aid solution that fails to address the underlying structural and resource challenges in our education system.”
The implementation of the free SHS policy was initially hailed as a bold and progressive move by the government, but the current challenges have sparked a renewed debate on the need for a more comprehensive and well-planned approach to education reforms. Critics argue that the government’s rush to deliver on its campaign promise has resulted in a rushed and ill-conceived implementation strategy, with little regard for the long-term consequences on the quality of education.
As the John Mahama government grapples with the fallout, parents and education stakeholders are calling for immediate interventions to address the shortcomings and ensure that the free SHS programme fulfills its promise of providing quality education for all Ghanaian children. The success of this landmark policy will not only determine the future of Ghana’s education system but also the long-term development and prosperity of the nation as a whole.
We should commend the government for its proactive approach in addressing the challenges faced by the free SHS programme. The formation of an eight-member committee, chaired by Professor K. T. Oduro, to plan and organize a National Education Forum is a positive step towards finding a comprehensive solution. The committee’s nine-point terms of reference, which include identifying key stakeholders, suggesting a venue and dates for the forum, estimating a budget, and drafting a national policy framework, demonstrate the government’s commitment to gathering meaningful input and developing a well-structured plan of action.
This initiative by the Mahama-led administration is a welcome development, as it indicates a willingness to engage the education community, review the existing policies, and implement the necessary changes to ensure the free SHS programme delivers on its promise of providing quality education for all Ghanaian children. By addressing the underlying structural and resource challenges, the government can pave the way for a more sustainable and effective implementation of this landmark policy, which is crucial for the long-term development and prosperity of the nation.
Source: Innocent Samuel Appiah
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