Free SHS Policy Should Change, Parents Must Pay For Feeding And Accommodation-John Mahama Advised
According to the latest report by the Daily Graphic, Angel Carbonu, the President of the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), has urged John Mahama to encourage parents with children in senior high schools to pay for their feeding and accommodation. He believes that the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy needs a review to ensure its sustainability.
In an interview on Okay FM on January 10, 2025, Mr. Carbonu acknowledged the positive impact of the Free SHS program but pointed out that the current economic challenges in Ghana make its continuation in its current form difficult. He suggested that parents contribute to the costs of feeding and accommodation to alleviate some of the burden on the system. This, he argued, could help resolve critical challenges such as food shortages and delays in supplies.
This recommendation is not new. The Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) has made similar appeals in the past. CHASS has asked parents to step in by providing food for their children due to recurring food shortages in schools. Mr. Carbonu highlighted that many students are increasingly reliant on pocket money and provisions from home because government-provided food supplies are often inadequate.
Criticizing the government's dependence on the National Food Buffer Stock Company for food distribution, Mr. Carbonu stated that delays in delivering food to schools disrupt school operations. He added that headmasters are no longer permitted to purchase food directly, and funds allocated to schools often face delays because of bureaucratic processes.
To address these challenges, Mr. Carbonu proposed that schools temporarily send students home while stakeholders deliberate on sustainable solutions for the Free SHS program. He also called for the immediate appointment of a Minister of Education to spearhead these discussions, as the absence of leadership is hindering progress.
He emphasized that transparency and open dialogue among all stakeholders are essential to making the Free SHS program effective and sustainable in the long term. Mr. Carbonu believes that rethinking the policy, especially in light of economic constraints, is crucial to ensuring its success without compromising the quality of education.
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