The Free Senior High School (FSHS) policy, implemented in 2017, aimed to provide accessible education to all Ghanaian students.
The policy was implemented to remove financial barriers that prevented many Ghanaian students from accessing secondary education. Before its introduction, students and their families bore the costs of tuition, textbooks, feeding, and other fees, making secondary education a luxury that many could not afford. However, due to its poor implementation, things 'fell apart.' Parents, students, and teachers started facing numerous challenges, which need to be address. Here are some of the key issues:
Challenges Facing the FSHS Policy
1. Overcrowding: The policy's success has led to an influx of students, resulting in overcrowded classrooms, dormitories and strained resources etc.
2. Teacher Shortages: The increased student population has exacerbated the existing teacher shortage, affecting the quality of education.
3. Insufficient Infrastructure: Many schools lack adequate facilities, including classrooms, dormitories, and sanitation facilities.
4. Poor Feeding: The free meal program is often criticized for its poor quality, leading to student dissatisfaction and health concerns.
6. High Cost of Utilities: Despite the free education, parents are often burdened with high utility bills, including electricity and water costs.
The Needs For Reviewing The Policy
Reviewing a policy doesn't mean cancellation. Here are some reasons why:
1. Improvement: Reviewing a policy allows for an assessment of its effectiveness, identifying areas that need improvement, and making necessary adjustments.
2. Relevance: Policies can become outdated; and reviewing them ensures they remain relevant to the current context and needs.
3. Efficiency: Reviewing a policy can help streamline processes, eliminate unnecessary procedures, and optimize resource allocation.
4. Accountability: Regular reviews promote accountability, ensuring that those responsible for implementing the policy are held accountable for its outcomes.
5. Better Resource Allocation: A reviewed policy can lead to more efficient resource allocation, as it identifies areas where resources can be optimized or redirected.
John Dramani Mahama's View On FSHS?
First of all, it must be noted that, the Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama in 2015, successfully launched the progressively FREE Senior High School (PFSHS) policy as stated in Article 25(1)b of Ghana's 1992 constitution.
The PFSHS policy by NDC, expanded to cover all students in 2017; and it was a step towards ensuring that every child in Ghana had access to secondary education, regardless of their financial background.
The policy aimed to cover some of the costs associated with senior high school education, such as tuition fees, to reduce the financial burden on low-income families.`
John Mahama as part of his ongoing 2024 election campaign has stated clear, that the free Senior High School policy has come stay; and also, has pledged to review the policy in other to address the challenges faced by parents, students, and teachers when elected president.
He also promised to include private Senior schools in the free SHS program, recognizing their significant contributions to the education sector. This move aims to increase access to quality education for more students.
Why Vote For The NDC And John Dramani Mahama?
1. Improved Infrastructure: John Mahama has promises to invest in modern infrastructure, including state-of-the-art classrooms and facilities.
2. Increased Teacher Recruitment: The candidate vows to recruit more teachers to address the shortage and improve student-teacher ratios.
3. Enhanced Feeding Program: The opposition candidate plans to revamp the feeding program, providing nutritious meals that cater to students' dietary needs.
4. Reduced Cost of Utilities: The candidate promises to work with utility companies to reduce costs, alleviating the financial burden on parents.
5. Increased Support for Students with Disabilities: The opposition candidate pledges to provide adequate support for students with disabilities, ensuring inclusive education.
6. Regular Review and Assessment: The candidate promises to establish a regular review mechanism to assess the policy's effectiveness and make necessary adjustments.
By voting for the NDC and John Mahama, parents, students, and teachers can advocate for a revised FSHS policy that addresses the current challenges and provides a better education system for all.
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