The Ghana National Council of Private Schools (GNACOPS) has issued a forceful call for a fundamental shift in the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) system, advocating for a fully fee-based boarding education model. Executive Director Obenfo Nana Kwasi Gyetuah has stated that the current arrangement, which provides free day secondary education to students, disproportionately burdens taxpayers, demanding government maintain free day secondary education while parents incur the full cost of accommodation and meals for boarding students.
Speaking at the Adom Brands Thought Leadership Programme, Mr. Gyetuah emphasized the need for a balanced approach, stressing that government should maintain free day secondary education while ensuring that parents who choose boarding facilities bear the full financial responsibility for accommodation and feeding. ‘It is inequitable to grant some students preferential benefits, including free boarding and meals, while all Ghanaians contribute to the funding of this crucial programme through taxes,’ he asserted.
He further argued that the current system is unsustainable, citing Côte d’Ivoire as a model where secondary education is managed without a widespread boarding school infrastructure. Mr. Gyetuah believes that Ghana can learn from this experience and adopt a similar model, prioritizing investment in infrastructure, teacher training, and educational resources rather than subsidizing boarding facilities.
The call comes amidst increasing scrutiny of the Free SHS policy, with stakeholders highlighting concerns about funding gaps, infrastructure deficits, and the long-term viability of the programme. The Adom Brands Thought Leadership Programme was convened to explore practical reforms aimed at safeguarding the future of the Free SHS policy, ensuring its sustained success and addressing the challenges facing the education sector.
According to a recent report by the Ministry of Education, Ghana’s Free SHS programme has faced significant challenges, with substantial funding gaps and infrastructure limitations. The government has been grappling with concerns about the financial burden on taxpayers and the need for greater efficiency in resource allocation. Mr. Gyetuah’s position underscores a critical debate about the sustainability and equity of the Free SHS model, prompting a discussion about potential adjustments to ensure the long-term success of the initiative. The program’s aim is to maximize the impact of the Free SHS initiative by fostering greater fiscal responsibility and optimizing resource allocation.
Furthermore, the proposed fee-based boarding model would have a significant impact on student enrollment and retention, potentially influencing the overall trajectory of the Free SHS initiative. The government is currently seeking to ensure the program’s long-term viability by addressing these key concerns and ensuring a sustainable funding model for the future of education in Ghana. The program aims to provide the necessary foundation for continued success within the Free SHS framework. The current discussion highlights a vital strategic imperative – a responsible and equitable approach to funding the future of Ghana’s most vital sector – the education system.
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Source: Adom Online
