Review Free SHS, Scrap Ex-Gratia, and Return to Community Day Schools – Mahama Told
As Ghana prepares for the 2024 general elections, key policy debates have once again taken center stage. Among the most discussed issues are education reforms, specifically the Free Senior High School (SHS) program, the contentious ex-gratia payments for Article 71 officeholders, and the revival of community day schools. Former President John Dramani Mahama, now the flagbearer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has been urged by various stakeholders to revisit these critical areas should he return to power.
#### **Reviewing the Free SHS Program**
Introduced in 2017 by President Nana Akufo-Addo’s administration, the Free SHS program guarantees tuition-free education for all Ghanaian senior high school students. While the initiative has significantly boosted enrollment, it has faced criticism over sustainability and quality concerns. Education experts and civil society organizations have called for a review, arguing that the one-size-fits-all approach compromises educational standards.
Critics have suggested a targeted approach that prioritizes the most vulnerable students. They contend that wealthier families, who can afford tuition, benefit unnecessarily, placing undue financial pressure on the state. Mahama himself has hinted at reviewing the program, suggesting that cost-sharing models or prioritizing boarding schools may be explored to reduce the fiscal burden while maintaining access.
#### **Scrap Ex-Gratia Payments**
Another controversial issue is the ex-gratia payments to Article 71 officeholders, including Members of Parliament, judges, and senior government officials. These payments, perceived by many Ghanaians as exorbitant, are made every four years and have been labeled an unsustainable drain on national resources. Critics argue that these funds could be redirected toward development projects, healthcare, and education.
Calls for the scrapping of ex-gratia have grown louder, especially among young voters who see it as a symbol of elite privilege in a struggling economy. Mahama has expressed openness to addressing this concern, pledging to lead by example. As a former president, he has vowed to forgo his ex-gratia if elected, signaling a shift toward reducing government expenditure on political appointees.
#### **Reviving Community Day Schools**
During his tenure as president, Mahama championed the construction of community day schools to make secondary education accessible to rural and underserved communities. His administration aimed to construct 200 schools, but only a fraction was completed before he left office in 2017. These schools were envisioned as a cost-effective alternative to expensive boarding facilities, helping to bridge the gap between urban and rural education.
Stakeholders have urged Mahama to prioritize the completion and revival of these projects if he regains power. With a significant portion of Ghana’s youth in rural areas, community day schools remain a critical tool for achieving equitable access to quality education. Advocates argue that such schools align better with Ghana’s long-term educational goals and can complement the Free SHS initiative.
#### **The Broader Implications**
The calls to review Free SHS, scrap ex-gratia, and revive community day schools reflect the broader frustrations of many Ghanaians with governance and public policy. Rising public debt, youth unemployment, and educational challenges have amplified demands for reforms. Mahama’s potential return to power presents an opportunity for a paradigm shift, especially as he positions himself as a reformist alternative to the current administration.
The stakes are high, and the electorate will closely scrutinize his plans for these critical areas. For many, the 2024 elections are not just about leadership but also about setting Ghana on a sustainable path that balances inclusivity, accountability, and fiscal responsibility.
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