PHYLOSOPOHY Ghana's Ministry of Education identified inefficiencies in access, quality, and management of education, leading to the creation of Free SHS, influenced by the 2008 Education Act and the fifth Education Strategic Plan (2010-2020). Since independence in 1957, Ghana has reformed its educational system to better align with local culture and customs, starting with the 1961 Accelerated Development Plan - ADP, aimed at universal primary education. The ADP faced challenges due to financial burdens on families for school supplies and a lack of trained teachers and infrastructure, limiting its sustainability. Subsequent educational developments included the Universal Primary Education legislation in 1961, modifications by the National Liberation Council, the 1974 New Structure and Content of Education, and the 2007 New Educational Reform. REPERCUSIONS. The policy primarily targets high school students in rural and disadvantaged communities, aiming to improve their educational opportunities. Initially, high-achieving students in these areas received scholarships and internships. The policy promotes equitable educational funding and opportunities by increasing accessibility for marginalized students. The anticipation for high school students to join public sector careers requiring tertiary education is encouraged by reducing the gap in university graduates without secondary studies. Previously, only 6% of high school students who desired government positions by age 25 achieved this goal. Students with higher economic capital have more educational opportunities compared to their disadvantaged peers. Promoting free high school education is argued to fuel Ghana's economic growth. The Free SHS policy increases eligibility and success rates, aiming to develop individuals into societal assets. Policies that prioritize student welfare enhance political consciousness and engagement among young people. The Free SHS policy has shifted voter confidence to rely on party results rather than philosophies, improving political awareness in Ghana.
The policy's non-discriminatory nature fosters understanding and trust in taxation, as citizens believe taxes finance the policy directly.
The policy alleviates the financial burden for most parents, enabling them to support their child's education without relying on scholarships or private benefits. Lower-income households often prioritize long-term educational costs over short-term ones, making tuition payments essential while school equipment becomes secondary. The Free SHS policy covers primary and secondary expenses that caregivers struggled to provide due to economic constraints. Parents are relieved from the social pressure of choosing which children to educate based on their financial ability.
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