A former Minister of Finance has asked the government to suspend the free Senior High School policy until the economy rebounds. Mr. Seth Tekper said the current economic crisis does not support the implementation of policies such as the free SHS and that all capital-intensive projects should be reviewed urgently. Should the government stop the free SHS policies because of the economic hardship in the country? Let’s take a tour and see if Fee SHS has helped or not.
The Free SHS Policy in Ghana
In September 2017, the government of Ghana implemented a new policy called Free Senior High School (SHS). The policy covers the cost of tuition, books, and other materials for all students in Ghana who attend public SHS. The policy was proposed by President Nana Akufo-Addo and passed by Parliament in early 2017. The policy is one of the most ambitious education initiatives in Ghana’s history, and it is expected to have a major impact on the country’s economy. Currently, only about 60% of Ghanaian children finish primary school, and less than 30% go on to finish secondary school.
The government hopes that the Free SHS policy will increase access to secondary education and help Ghanaian students compete in the global economy. Critics of the policy argue that it is too expensive and that the government should focus on improving primary education instead. They also point out that many Ghanaian families cannot afford to send their children to school, even if tuition is free. However, supporters of the policy say that it is an investment in Ghana’s future and that it will pay off in the long run. Time will tell whether the Free SHS policy is booming, but it is clear that it is a major step forward for education in Ghana.
The Impact of Free SHS on Access to Education in Ghana
The Ghanaian government’s decision to implement free Senior High School (SHS) education is having a positive impact on access to education in the country. Since the policy was introduced in 2017, over 1 million students have benefited yearly. This has resulted in a significant increase in the number of young people who are able to access secondary education. The policy has also had a positive impact on the economy. A recent study by the International Monetary Fund found that free SHS could boost Ghana’s GDP by 1.6 percentage points. The policy has been praised by many, including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who described it as “a major step forward in the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals”. Critics of the policy have argued that it is not affordable and is not being implemented effectively.
However, the government is confident that the policy is sustainable and is committed to its implementation. In September 2018, the government launched a new website to track the progress of the policy. The website includes data on enrolment, retention, and completion rates. It also provides information on the number of schools and classrooms that have been built and the number of teachers that have been trained.
The Benefits of Free SHS for the Ghanaian Economy
The Ghanaian government’s decision to implement a free senior high school (SHS) policy has been widely praised. The policy is expected to increase access to secondary education and improve the quality of education in Ghana. There are several reasons why the free SHS policy is good for the Ghanaian economy. First, it will increase the number of skilled workers in the labour force. A better-educated workforce will be more productive and will contribute to economic growth. Second, the policy will help reduce inequality. Education is one of the most powerful tools for reducing inequality and promoting social mobility. By making secondary education free, the government is giving more Ghanaians the opportunity to escape poverty and improve their lives. Third, the free SHS policy will boost domestic demand and consumption.
As more Ghanaians enter the middle class, they will have more disposable income to spend on goods and services. This increased demand will spur economic activity and create jobs. Fourth, the policy will improve Ghana’s human capital and make the country more attractive to foreign investors. Improved educational outcomes will make Ghanaians more productive employees and attract businesses to invest in the country. Overall, the free SHS policy is expected to have a positive impact on the Ghanaian economy. The policy is a smart investment that will pay.
Conclusion: The Future of Free SHS in Ghana
The future of free SHS in Ghana is looking bright. The policy has been successful over the year, with over 1 million students benefitting from it every year. The government is committed to expanding the program and making it sustainable in the long term. There are some challenges that need to be addressed, such as the quality of education and the capacity of the education system. However, if these issues are addressed, free SHS could transform Ghana into a middle-income country within a generation. Though things may be difficult now this policy will have an effect in the long run.
Adam Ibrahim
Adam is passionate about politics and issues that affect governance. As a writer, he channels his energies into writing on pertinent national and political issues for the good of the Ghanaian people.
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