The real costs of free SHS are hidden - Prof. Akosua Ampofo

Prof. Akosua Adomako Ampofo, a respected academic from the University of Ghana, has raised serious concerns about the transparency and sustainability of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy.

Speaking during an appearance on Newsfile on JoyNews, she criticised the management of the policy, which is largely financed by Ghanaian taxpayers, for lacking adequate transparency and failing to recognize the financial contributions that support it.

“The Free SHS is being subsidized by Ghanaians, but this is not reflected in official statistics,” Prof. Ampofo stated, highlighting a critical issue she believes has been overlooked in the broader conversation about the policy’s effectiveness.

She further emphasised how various stakeholders in the education sector have been silenced when it comes to discussing the financial realities surrounding Free SHS.

“PTAs are not allowed to discuss their contributions, alumni cannot disclose their investments, and principals are silenced from stating their financial needs for fear of ‘disgracing the government,’” she added, underscoring the lack of open dialogue about the actual costs of implementing the Free SHS program.

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