Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Calls for Free SHS Policy Review: Advocates for Targeted Support for Needy Students

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has urged the government to reconsider the implementation of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy. He proposed that families with the financial capacity to afford school fees should be required to pay, allowing the government to focus its resources on supporting brilliant but needy students.

Speaking during a courtesy call by the Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, Otumfuo commended the Free SHS policy for its objective of removing financial barriers to education. However, he stressed the importance of addressing critical challenges affecting its effectiveness.

“This Free SHS policy is a great initiative, but we must ask ourselves if it is truly achieving its purpose. If students are constantly being sent home due to a lack of food or resources, then we need to have an honest dialogue about its implementation,” Otumfuo remarked.

Addressing Systemic Challenges

The Asantehene highlighted pressing issues such as overcrowded dormitories, insufficient science and ICT laboratories, a lack of school buses, and inadequate food supplies in many senior high schools.

“Parents and teachers are sometimes forced to contribute through PTAs to fill gaps in the system. This should not be the case. We must work together to ensure that schools are adequately resourced so that students can focus on learning,” he noted.

Otumfuo advocated for a return to a mixed funding approach, where those who can afford to pay are allowed to do so while government support is channeled to students in dire need.

“In the past, scholarships and bursaries were awarded to brilliant but needy students, while families who could pay for their children’s education did so. We must revisit this system to ensure equity and sustainability,” he advised.

Expanding STEM Education to Rural Areas

On the subject of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II emphasized the need to extend these opportunities to underserved rural communities.

“Every village needs access to STEM education. There are brilliant minds in rural areas who, given the opportunity, can excel in science and technology. We need to ensure inclusivity in our educational policies,” he said.

Balancing Access and Quality

The Free SHS policy, introduced by the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo administration in 2017, covers tuition, admission fees, textbooks, boarding, meals, and other expenses for students in public SHSs. While the initiative has significantly increased enrollment and offered opportunities to thousands of students, it has also faced criticism over funding constraints, overcrowded classrooms, and strained resources.

Otumfuo reiterated the need for a balanced approach that guarantees both access and quality. “Let us implement this policy properly so that students stay in school and have enough resources to thrive. If we don’t address these issues, we risk compromising the quality of education,” he cautioned.

National Dialogue on Education Policy

The Asantehene called for a nationwide dialogue on education policy to ensure that Free SHS remains sustainable and effective in the long term.

“I pray that the Minister of Education continues to press on with reforms. This is not just about short-term solutions but creating a legacy for future generations,” he said.

Otumfuo’s comments add to ongoing discussions about the sustainability of Free SHS and the need to refine its implementation to maximize its impact on Ghanaian education.

Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson #ahotoronline.com