Free SHS policy has reduced begging and borrowing among parents - Educationist

The Principal of Agogo Presbyterian Women's College of Education in the Ashanti Region, Dr. Grace Sintim Adasi, has praised the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) free Senior High School (SHS) policy, stating that it has significantly reduced the need for parents to beg or borrow money to fund their children's education.

Ghana's free Senior High School (SHS) policy has brought relief to numerous families, according to the Principal.

She believes that by eliminating school fees, the policy has substantially reduced the financial burden on parents, thereby curbing the necessity for begging and borrowing to support their children's education.

The renowned educationist noted that prior to the policy's implementation, many parents and guardians struggled to make ends meet, often resorting to begging or borrowing to cover school fees. She added that following the introduction of the policy, poor parents who previously struggled to find money for their children's school fees no longer need to do so.

The policy has also lightened the financial load on wealthy families who previously supported extended family members' education.

During the college's 15th congregation ceremony, where 435 trained teachers graduated on October 10, 2024, the Principal encouraged the graduates to work with honesty, integrity, and passion.

A Deputy Minister of Education in charge of TVET, Professor Kingsley Nyarko, emphasized the importance of safeguarding the free SHS policy by re-electing the NPP government in 2024. He expressed concerns that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and former President John Dramani Mahama might dismantle the policy if they were to win power.

Professor Nyarko highlighted the government's dedication to enhancing education, pointing out substantial investments across all education sectors. He noted that the NPP's performance in education surpasses that of the NDC, making a strong case for the NPP to win the 2024 polls.