The primary objective of this dialogue, as proposed by the teacher union, is to smoothen the rough edges of the Free SHS program and initiate a comprehensive review to ensure seamless execution.

The General Secretary of GNAT, Thomas Musah, conveyed that pivotal points of discussion in the dialogue encompass the admission framework and processes, funding sources, as well as the involvement of parents, parent-teacher associations, traditional authorities, and old students’ associations.

Mr Musah believes that this collaborative endeavour will play a pivotal role in fine-tuning the programme, rendering it sustainable long after its introduction.

He remarked, “As an integral participant in the educational landscape, GNAT is earnestly calling for a substantial review and transformation of the Free SHS Policy. This is essential to ensure the effective and successful execution of the program for the greater good of Ghana.”

The GNAT General Secretary emphasised the importance of broad participation in the crucial national assignment to facilitate comprehensive participation and varied perspectives.

The Free SHS initiative, initiated in September 2017 by the NPP government as a fulfillment of a campaign pledge, became a cornerstone of their manifesto during the 2012 and 2016 general elections.

Although lauded as a commendable endeavour, recent challenges within the program, particularly concerning provisions such as food items, have spurred discussions about the necessity of a review and the potential involvement of parents.

Acknowledging the positive intent behind the Free SHS programme, Mr Musah insists that dedicated efforts should be invested to ensure its continuity.

GNAT, as a responsible and patriotic organization, is fully committed to contributing to any form of dialogue or forum that aligns with this objective.

Mr Musah further notes that while some proposed a shared cost arrangement between the government and stakeholders, the government opted for sole responsibility, leading to some of the challenges faced today.

He expressed concern about the adverse effects of allocating resources to Free SHS at the expense of essential funding for public basic schools that urgently require support.

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The discussions, which will be held quarterly, would focus on detailed discussions of policies and other issues of national interest – and how to solve challenges with these issues to build a better Ghana.

Exactly one week from today, on November 27, the finest brains in education will gather at the Alisa Hotel in Accra to dissect the government’s Free Senior High School policy as part of the maiden edition of the forum.

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This discussion hopes to find innovative ways of sustaining the policy and rid it of its current challenges.

Deputy Education Minister Yaw Osei Adutwum is expected to be in attendance and to open the discussion with a half an hour presentation on the topic.

After, policy think tank, IMANI, teacher unions including GNAT and NAGRAT and other experts in educations will have their turn in the discussion. Host of political talk show, Ekosii S3n on Asempa FM, Philip Osei Bonsu will moderate the event.

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Synopsis of the Free SHS Policy

The free SHS education policy began in September 2017.  The policy, according to the Education Ministry, seeks to address inequality and ensure equal opportunities for all students through the removal of cost barriers in public second cycle schools.

All approved fees currently charged to students in public Senior High Schools (SHS) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training schools (TVETs) are absorbed by the government.

Implementation challenges and the double track system

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According to the Education Ministry, a Ghanaian student qualifies for Free SHS once he/she sits the BECE and is subsequently placed by Computerized School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) into a Public-funded second cycle institution.

The implementation of the policy has seen a dramatic increase in the number of students enrolled in senior high school. The number of students enrolled increased from 361,771 in 2017 to 472,730 in 2018; representing a 30.7% increase.

However, the implementation of the policy has been plagued by challenges including overcrowding of some schools, limited number of teachers and inadequate facilities, among others.

To address the challenges and deepen access, the government has introduced a double track system which divides the entire student body and staff into two different tracks. So while one track is in school, the other is on vacation.

The need for broad consultation  

Some stakeholders including National Graduate Teachers Association (NAGRAT) and the Conference of Heads of Assisted Senior High Schools (CHASS) have bemoaned the lack of broad consultation on the implementation of the double track system.

Some think tanks such as IMANI Ghana have also raised critical questions on how the programme is being financed.

This stakeholder forum seeks to ventilate the issues and challenges of the implementation of the free SHS policy and how to sustain the programme with the view of making proposals for policymakers to consider and adopt.