Challenges must not derail Free SHS implementation - Okatakyi Amenfi

Okatakyi Amenfi VII, the Omanhen of Asebu Traditional Area, has said the Free Senior High School (SHS) Policy is a laudable initiative, which should not be derailed by real or perceived challenges confronting its implementation at the teething stage.

He said the Policy could not have come at a better time and, therefore, all hands must be on deck to ensure its success to relieve parents of their struggles to finance their children’s secondary education.

Okatakyi Amenfi said this at a durbar to commemorate the 12th Apayamkese Festival of the people of Asebu in the Abura Asebu Kwamankese (AAK) District of the Central Region on Saturday.

The Festival, which was on the theme: “Mobilising for Sustainable Development,” offered an opportunity for the Traditional Council to take count of its activities, identify problems encountered and strategise on how to forge ahead in the development of the area.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Tuesday, September 12, launched the Free SHS Policy in Accra and stated his government’s willingness to accept inputs from all quarters to make the programme long-lasting and successful.

However, the implementation of the programme has seen some challenges with some stakeholders questioning its sustainability.

Okatakyi Amenfi expressed the belief that the major challenge confronting the Policy’s implementation was lack of funds.

He has, therefore, proposed to the Government to save part of the special levy being paid by oil and mining companies as well as multinational organisations to fund the Free SHS.

Okatakyi Amanfi urged Ghanaians to give the Government the room to operate and provide constructive criticisms that could help chart a path for the country’s development.

“What we need to do as a nation is to demand from the new Government good and transparent governance, accountability and fairness,” he said.

Okatakyi Amenfi, who described as “revolutionary” the Government’s One District One Factory Policy, said it would set the country on the path of industrialisation and create jobs for the teeming unemployed youth.

The Omanhen appealed to the Government to consider including Asebuman Senior High School, which is in dire need of infrastructure, on the list of Community Senior High Schools to address its needs.

He complained about the deplorable state of roads linking the communities in the districts and appealed to the Government to fix them.

He also appealed for the upgrading of the only health facility in Moree to the status of a poly-clinic for it to serve the people better. “There is the need to equip the CHPS compounds at Asebu to better serve the health needs of the people considering the central location of Asebu” he added.

Mr Kwamena Duncan, the Central Regional Minister, assured the people of the Government’s commitment to addressing their concerns.

He presented bottles of schnapps and other alcoholic drinks and cash of GH¢10,000.00 to the Traditional Council as Government’s support towards the celebration of the Festival.