In the often heated landscape of Ghanaian politics, few issues have generated as much discussion and debate as the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy. However, award-winning investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni argues that this debate is not only unnecessary but also detrimental to addressing more pressing national issues. Awuni’s insights, articulated in a recent Facebook post, provide a compelling case for why the media should unequivocally present the facts about the origins of the Free SHS policy and move forward to more critical discussions.
The concept of Free SHS was introduced to Ghanaians in 2008 by then-candidate Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. This bold proposal, aimed at providing free secondary education, was initially met with skepticism. Critics, including some civil society groups, dismissed it as a populist promise. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) and their candidate opposed it, prioritizing “quality and accessibility” over free education.
Despite losing the 2008 and 2012 elections, Akufo-Addo remained steadfast in his commitment to the policy. This consistency eventually paid off when he won the presidency and launched the Free SHS program in September 2017. This marked the first time in recent history that secondary education in Ghana was truly free.
However, in a bid to undermine Akufo-Addo’s flagship policy, the NDC, led by President John Mahama, introduced a semblance of free SHS in 2015. Awuni describes this attempt as deceptive, noting that the government allocated a paltry GHC 12.2 million to benefit 320,488 students, amounting to a meager GHC 38 per student per term. This amount was insufficient to cover even basic fees such as PTA dues, making the policy ineffective and insincere.
When Akufo-Addo assumed office in 2017, he wasted no time in implementing the Free SHS policy, despite economic challenges. Awuni commends this decision, highlighting the President’s honesty and commitment. The policy, though not without its problems, has had a significant positive impact on many Ghanaian families. Parents who could not afford secondary education for their children are now able to do so, thanks to Free SHS.
Manasseh Azure Awuni therefore argues that the debate over who initiated the Free SHS policy is futile and distracts from more pressing issues. The facts are clear: Akufo-Addo introduced and implemented the policy. The media, therefore, should focus on reminding the public of these facts and move on to more substantial discussions.
He also notes that the NDC’s strategy of engaging in this debate is counterproductive. In the 2020 elections, this focus on Free SHS reminded voters of the NPP’s significant achievement, which played a role in the NDC’s defeat. Instead of revisiting this debate, the NDC should concentrate on other areas where they can make a meaningful impact.
The Free SHS policy is a landmark social intervention that has touched the lives of many Ghanaians. While it faces implementation challenges, its benefits are undeniable. Just like many well meaning Ghanaians, Awuni suggests that those who can afford to pay for their children’s education should do so, allowing the government to direct resources towards building infrastructure and supporting the needy. This approach could help alleviate some of the current challenges, such as the double-track system.
Manasseh Azure’s Facebook Post can be read here.
Source: GhanaFeed.Com