Child Rights International's Executive Director, Bright Appiah, has advised the government to exercise caution while considering any changes to the free Senior High School (SHS) program.
In an interview with Dwaso Nsem of Adom FM, Mr. Appiah emphasized that the Free SHS program was created to encourage inclusivity and remove financial barriers to secondary education.
He said that although there have been difficulties, the advantages cannot be understated and need to be protected.
"We must include all relevant professions if participation is required because there are several stakeholders. People who are knowledgeable about education, food, housing, and other topics are more important than tough speakers.
"We can involve parents in order to learn about the behavioral problems of students and health professionals, for example, in order to determine when to implement certain medical measures," he stated.
He emphasized that management has emerged as the social intervention policy's greatest nemesis.
In this context, Mr. Appiah urged the administration to urgently meet with stakeholders and engage a cooperative discussion to address these issues.
"The modification should be focused on implementing a menu chart, a comprehensive management system, and a mechanism to develop good learning outcomes, among other things, to ensure that the program is run efficiently."
“We should not destroy the policy or do anything that will undermine it because it has really helped despite the issues. We must be interested in sustaining it,” he stated.
The Free SHS policy was introduced by the Akufo-Addo-led administration in 2017 but faced criticism over logistical challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, lack of teaching materials, and overcrowding in public schools.
Mr. Appiah’s remarks come amidst calls for reviews and proposals for parents to share in feeding and accommodation costs.
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