‘I will conduct a comprehensive review of the free SHS policy within my first 100 days of taking office-John Mahama.
John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), has reiterated his intention to conduct a comprehensive review of the Free Senior High School Policy (Free SHS) within the first 100 days of taking office, should he be elected in the 2024 general elections.
Mr. Mahama emphasized the critical role of a solid basic education foundation. He outlined his plan to assemble a panel of educational experts to formulate an improved framework for implementing the Free SHS policy, which has been a cornerstone of Ghana’s education system.
He expressed his belief that the review should include a broad spectrum of stakeholders.
The proposed stakeholder summit will involve educationists, teachers, parents, students, and opinion leaders, and aims to enhance the Free SHS system and elevate the quality of basic education.
Addressing the 75th annual New Year School and Conference, Mr. Mahama stressed the necessity for a comprehensive evaluation of the policy’s implementation.
In addition to this commitment, Mr. Mahama proposed a return to using the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) for student assessments within the regional bloc, which was the practice before the introduction of the Free SHS policy.
He argued that solely relying on local exams administered and graded by Ghana might not provide an accurate assessment of student performance when compared to their peers in neighboring English-speaking countries. By returning to WAEC’s regional exams, the quality and competitiveness of Ghanaian education could be better evaluated.
CUE: POLICY
Meanwhile the education minister Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum has expressed doubt over the willingness of some parents and guidance to cover the fees of their wards in senior high schools.
He argues that, if the government allows parents to manage senior high school fees, the payment in what perceived as lower grade SHS might become a challenge.
George Osei-Akoto (Teacher Kojo)/ Ahotoronline.com
