Kofi Asare, the Executive Director of Africa Education Watch (Edu-Watch), has put forth an ambitious proposal aimed at reforming Ghana’s secondary education system. His plan suggests the introduction of a fee-paying model specifically for certain students in Category 'A' schools. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance the educational landscape in Ghana, particularly targeting the challenges associated with the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS). The CSSPS has faced mounting criticism over issues of corruption and the perceived lack of merit-based placements, which have raised significant concerns among parents, educators, and stakeholders in the education sector.
Asare's proposals are directed at the incoming government led by President-elect John Dramani Mahama, providing a series of recommendations that could significantly impact the National Democratic Congress (NDC) agenda. Currently, the CSSPS allocates 30% of admissions in Category 'A' schools to students from public junior high schools (JHS). This policy is based on the premise that many of these students come from disadvantaged backgrounds, often studying under challenging conditions. While Asare supports this existing framework, he advocates for the reservation of an additional 20% of slots for fee-paying students. These fee-paying students would be required to pay approximately GH¢8,000 per year, yet they must meet the same academic qualifications as their public JHS counterparts.
The rationale behind this proposed system is multi-faceted. Asare argues that it could significantly reduce the prevalence of parents resorting to paying between GH¢15,000 and GH¢30,000 to middlemen for school placements. Such practices not only undermine the integrity of the placement process but also contribute to widespread distrust among families. By introducing a transparent fee-paying option, Asare believes that funds could be raised directly for schools, enhancing their financial stability. For instance, a Category 'A' school that admits 1,000 students annually could reserve 200 slots for fee-paying students, generating an impressive GH¢1.6 million. This revenue could be instrumental in covering the feeding costs for all students in the school for an entire year, as feeding expenses alone account for about 70% of the Free Senior High School (SHS) budget.
Implementing Asare's model could lead to a significant reduction in the government's financial burden concerning feeding costs, which has been a persistent issue in the education sector. By alleviating delays in the release of funds for school meals and addressing the cash flow challenges that educational institutions face, this initiative could foster a more sustainable and efficient system. Furthermore, the introduction of a fee-paying model would not only improve fairness and transparency in the school placement process but also respond to long-standing public concerns regarding equity in education. Asare’s recommendations resonate with the NDC’s commitment to enhancing education financing and accessibility, presenting a practical and viable solution to ensure the long-term sustainability of Ghana's secondary education system. By focusing on both financial viability and equitable access, Asare's proposal could pave the way for a more inclusive and effective educational environment in Ghana.
Total Comments: 1
Gideon Owusu Gyembibi
December 25, 2024 at 11:39am
blogpay
Total Comments: 1
Sounds good