The Executive Director of Africa Education Watch (Eduwatch), Kofi Asare, has called for reforms to strengthen Ghana’s Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy, arguing that although the programme has become too politically entrenched to be abolished, several aspects require review to improve its effectiveness.
Speaking on Adom TV’s thought leadership discussion on “The Future of Free SHS: Sustain, Reform or Redesign?”, Mr. Asare said the policy has evolved into a politically sensitive issue that no government would risk discontinuing.
“We’ve politicised the policy and it has become like a deity, so no government will attempt to stop it,” he said.
While supporting the continuation of Free SHS, Mr. Asare questioned the necessity of some components of the programme, particularly the provision of free uniforms and exercise books to senior high school students.
He argued that scarce resources should instead be directed towards addressing challenges at the basic education level, where many schools continue to lack essential teaching and learning materials.
“Something I think isn’t necessary is the free uniforms and free exercise books for secondary schools because basic schools don’t have that. If we have money for those items while basic schools are lacking, then that is not the right approach,” he stated.
Mr. Asare maintained that the programme requires targeted reforms to ensure its long-term sustainability and improve educational outcomes.
“We need reforms. The foundation has to be firm,” he stressed.
He also questioned the rationale behind providing free uniforms, arguing that parents generally ensure their children have school uniforms before enrolling them.
“No parent is taking a child to school without a uniform,” he noted.
Beyond reforms to the Free SHS policy, Mr. Asare called for greater investment in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), describing it as a critical pathway for developing the country’s skilled workforce.
He urged government to expand TVET institutions and strengthen career guidance services to help students make informed educational and career choices.
According to him, improving career guidance alongside expanding technical and vocational education would better prepare young people for the labour market while complementing the objectives of the Free SHS programme.
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