''I don't see why we can't touch Free SHS,' says IEA Research Director in response to IMF discussions.
Dr. John Kwabena Kwakye, Director of Research at the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), has renewed calls for the government to reconsider the flagship Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy in the face of an economic downturn.
He believes that doing so will highlight the urgent need for the government to take "tough measures" to reduce spending as it seeks assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Dr. Kwakye told a group of journalists at a forum called "Time with IEA Fellows" that one of the most important requirements for addressing the country's economic challenges was to "enlarge our revenue envelope" and take drastic measures to cut spending.
"I don't see why we can't work with Free SHS.... Allow parents who can afford to contribute to the cost. Policies that do not focus on human capacity development should be phased out, according to Dr. Kwakye.
He also advised the government to work on creating an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive, thereby supporting it in areas such as job creation.
"There are a lot of constraints in our spending." The pay in the public sector is enormous. "We need to downsize the public sector to make it more productive so that we can pay them better," Dr Kwakye added.
He also mentioned the need to reduce government size and, aside from the Free SHS, consider reviewing some other flagship programs.
In a July 1 statement, President Akufo-Addo directed Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to present an economic rescue plan to the IMF.
Since then, a Fund team led by Carlo Sdralevich has visited Ghana from July 6 to 13, meeting with key stakeholders.
According to reports, the government is requesting US$3 billion from the fund to help stabilize the economy. The government has repeatedly blamed the economic woes on the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war.
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