‘We have paid 20% fees for free SHS’ – Minister

The Minister of Education, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has disclosed that, in making sure the Free SHS policy does not run into challenges, government will always ensure that pay 20% of fees for beneficiaries is disbursed in advance before every term begins.

Basic and second cycle schools in Ghana usually have three terms within every academic year.

Speaking at the official launching of the free SHS policy at the West African Senior Secondary School (WASS) on Tuesday, Dr. Opoku Prempeh said this decision will ensure that second cycle institutions continue to run smoothly and for the sustenance of the programme.

“To ensure that those who will not see anything good do not come and criticize us, the president has ensured that as part of the free SHS being fully funded, for the first time in the history this country…the president has ensured that even before one child gets into school 20% of the school fees are already there waiting for them,” he said.

The Minister also stated that, capitation grants for some institutions in the country which have been in arrears for quite a long time, are being cleared by government.

“Capitation grant which has always been chronic areas will be paid up to date even for the first term of this academic year is ready. With feeding grant, we became a nation that we were so merciless that even schools for the special schools we had arrears. Feeding grant for the handicapped schools are going before the school reopens. Feeding grants for students from northern extraction are going this year before school reopens.”

He also added that “teacher trainee allowances have not only been restored, it’s going before reopening.”