Gov’t Won’t Roll Back Free SHS, Other Flagship Programs – Ofori-Atta
The government says all its flagship programs including the ambitious Free Senior High School (SHS) policy will continue to run regardless of the challenges confronting the country’s economy.
This is contrary to earlier suggestions by the Minister responsible for Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah that all 16 flagship programs of the government including the Free SHS were up for possible review after a recent cabinet meeting to proffer solutions to the economic hardships.
But speaking at a press briefing today, Thursday, March 24, Finance does not intend to suspend any of its policies.
“Let me say that President Akufo-Addo has no absolute intention to roll back any major policy like the Free SHS. He sees education as the best and enabling force for sustainable economic growth, transformation, and social mobility, and we will do more to improve on it for it to serve more and better our children.”
Pressure is mounting on the Akufo-Addo government to review the policy.
Stakeholders as well as the opposition NDC, have urged the government to take another look at the Free SHS program and take expenditure cuts among others to save the country money.
Other civil society organizations have also called for a review of the programme including suggestions that the programme be limited to persons who are genuinely poor and unable to fund their secondary education.
For instance, Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission, Prof. Stephen Adei. Prof. Stephen Adei explains that the GH¢7.6 billion expenditure on the programme over the past five years is taking a toll on Ghana’s economy.