By Peter Martey AGBEKO, APR
When Ghana introduced the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy in 2017, it was widely hailed as a groundbreaking effort to make secondary education accessible to all Ghanaian students.
Under this programme, students who once faced financial barriers to schooling could now pursue higher education without the burden of tuition fees. The Free SHS policy immediately expanded educational opportunities, especially for children from low-income families, who could now attend school on par with their more affluent peers.
Benefits of the Free SHS Policy
The most obvious advantage of the Free SHS policy is increased enrollment. The initiative has allowed thousands of Ghanaian students who would have otherwise dropped out after junior high school to access secondary education.
Free SHS has had a significant social impact, providing a stepping-stone to tertiary education and enhancing career opportunities for Ghana’s youth. By leveling the playing field, the policy has made strides toward reducing poverty and fostering social mobility, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
In addition to social benefits, the policy also contributes to Ghana’s development goals. With more students graduating from secondary school, the country is gradually building a more educated workforce, which is crucial for economic development, reducing inequality, and creating a skilled labor market. Free SHS aligns with Ghana’s vision of becoming a knowledge-based economy, where education is the foundation of national progress.
Challenges Facing the Free SHS Policy
Despite its noble intentions and notable achievements, the Free SHS policy has encountered several challenges that threaten its sustainability. The surge in enrollment has placed a significant strain on school infrastructure. Many schools are now overcrowded, leading to issues like inadequate classrooms, lack of dormitories, insufficient sanitation facilities, and increased pressure on teachers.
Some schools have had to adopt a double-track system to manage overcrowding, with students alternating between attending classes and staying at home. While the double-track system addresses immediate capacity issues, it disrupts the continuity of learning, affects students’ focus, and complicates teacher schedules.
Another major challenge is funding. The policy’s costs have escalated over the years, stretching government resources thin. This underfunding has led to delays in the release of funds for school maintenance, teaching materials, and feeding programs. In many cases, schools struggle to meet their daily operational needs, compromising the quality of education. Teachers, who play a crucial role in the program’s success, also face increased workloads and limited resources, leading to stress and burnout.
Improving Implementation: Recommendations for a Sustainable Future
To make the Free SHS policy sustainable, the government and stakeholders need to address these implementation gaps strategically. Here are some key recommendations:
- Increase Funding and Accountability: Allocating more resources to the Free SHS policy is essential for sustaining it. The government should consider engaging with international donors, private sector partners, and alumni networks to supplement funding. Enhanced transparency and accountability measures will ensure that allocated funds are properly managed and reach their intended purpose.
- Invest in Infrastructure Development: Addressing overcrowding is critical. Expanding and upgrading school facilities will provide a better learning environment and accommodate the growing number of students. The government could prioritize building new classrooms, dormitories, and sanitation facilities, especially in schools with high enrollment. Improving existing infrastructure will also help eliminate the need for the double-track system over time.
- Enhance Teacher Support and Recruitment: Teachers are the backbone of the education system. Ensuring fair compensation, adequate training, and improved working conditions is essential for retaining experienced educators. Recruiting additional teachers will alleviate the strain on existing staff and improve teacher-student ratios, enhancing the quality of instruction.
- Implement Robust Monitoring and Evaluation: A monitoring and evaluation framework can help track the policy’s impact and identify areas for improvement. Regular assessments will ensure that the Free SHS program remains responsive to emerging challenges and evolves to meet the needs of students and educators alike.
- Engage Communities and Parents: Building strong partnerships with communities and parents can promote a sense of ownership and accountability. Local stakeholders can support schools through volunteer efforts, fundraising, and advocacy, creating a more supportive environment for students.
Conclusion
The Free SHS policy is a monumental step forward for Ghana’s educational landscape, but the effectiveness of such a policy is only as strong as its implementation. While the programme has opened doors for thousands of students, the challenges it faces must be resolved for its benefits to be fully realised.
Addressing funding issues, improving infrastructure, supporting teachers, and establishing effective monitoring systems will create a sustainable and impactful Free SHS programme. This visionary policy has the potential to transform Ghana’s future by empowering its youth—if the right steps are taken to enhance its delivery.
