Delay passage of Free SHS Bill for broader stakeholder consultations - NAGRAT to MPs

The President of the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), Angel Carbonu, has called for a delay in the passage of the Free SHS Bill to allow for broader consultations with stakeholders.

In an interview with Channel One TV on Friday, December 13, 2024, he explained that the concept of the programme extends beyond the cost of tuition.

"Free secondary school education, you think they are just going to talk about the cost of free senior high school, but there are issues in this document that go far beyond just government providing Free Senior High School education," he noted.

Angel Cabornu argued that it was morally wrong for the 8th Parliament to be passing or enacting laws at its last sittings and proceedings.

"It is our view that it is morally wrong for Parliament to be passing or enacting laws at its last sittings and proceedings and that the current Parliament should allow the incoming Parliament, which will be inaugurated on January 7, to peruse whatever bill or documents that are available to have a more thoughtful and in-depth discussion with stakeholders before they are passed into law, that is, even if it is necessary.

"Whether buffer stock should distribute food or if schools should purchase their own food. We are even at a stage where we are running a double-track system, where teachers are complaining that they are not having rest, where we are having a situation where the children are going to school in such a manner that there is no sanctity with regards to time, and what role parents can play in the education delivery of their children. Currently, all these things and many more have not been formally discussed with stakeholders," he remarked.

He also advocated for a more targeted approach in the future implementation of President-Elect John Dramani Mahama's free university entrance proposal.

"I even have a problem with that NDC policy that is going to give free entrance," he said.

The proposed legislation, drafted by the Ministry of Education, seeks to provide a legal framework for the implementation of the programme.

JKB/AE

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