Free SHS good policy, but has serious implementation challenges – Apaak

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Spokesperson on Education, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak has stated that the Free Senior High School Policy is good but has serious implementation challenges under the Akufo-Addo government.

This comes on the back of the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) pleading with the government and calling for urgent support to keep public senior schools afloat, warrants a review of the Free Senior High School policy.

In a letter to the Ministry of Education, the heads of public second-cycle institutions bitterly complained about several concerns they have been enduring for months, including burdening debts and arrears to creditors.

The association explained that the issues had made them reach their wit's end “and it has become extremely difficult to manage the system effectively”.

CHASS noted that it would be unable to feed and supply students with stationery if their “urgent plea” is not heeded.

Commenting on the development, Dr. Clement Apaak said the disturbing events highlighted the need to take a cursory look at the Free SHS programme and tailor it to suit the pressing demands.

In a 17-point plan, the MP for Builsa outlined how the next NDC government will review the policy, mapping out plans to bolster financing and engage food suppliers at the local level to improve food supply and quality.

“The next John Dramani Mahama NDC Government will:

• Abolish the obnoxious double-track system to restore a stable academic calendar;

• Provide a dedicated and sustainable funding source for quality secondary education by ring-fencing a percentage of our oil proceeds;

• Embark on an emergency infrastructure drive to complete abandoned E-blocks and expand infrastructure in existing SHSs and TVET institutions;

• Decentralise the procurement of food and other basic supplies, ensure timely food supply, and improve the quantity and quality of food for students,” he wrote in part on social media.

Dr. Apaak said former President Mahama could be trusted as he had “a proven track record in the area of education”.

Attached below is CHASS statement: