Don’t be intransigent; consider calls to review Free SHS – NAGRAT admonishes government

The President of the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), Angel Carbonu, has urged the government to be open to considering a review of its flagship programme, the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy.

Mr. Carbonu stressed that a review of the policy is necessary to address any existing loopholes that may be impeding its progress.

While acknowledging the greatness of the policy, he pointed out that it currently faces certain challenges that require immediate corrections.

According to him, a comprehensive review involving major stakeholders in the educational sector is the key to achieving the necessary improvements.

Speaking in an interview with Citi FM on Tuesday, January 9, Mr. Carbonu expressed NAGRAT’s continued support for a review and emphasised that the association will persist in demanding such a reassessment.

“My union has already called for a review of the Free SHS programme. For every project you do, you need to subject yourself to periodic reviews, to identify challenges and sharpen the blunt edges for your good. When you get to most of the schools, you have infrastructure and resources deteriorating.”

“One of the reasons the government is unable to bring the double track to an end is that GETFund is not able to put up the facilities as planned, because the Ministry of Finance is unable to transfer back to GETFund the total amount of GETFund component of taxes and revenues being collected in this country.”

Stakeholders in the educational sector have urged the government to reconsider the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, which has encountered various challenges.

In the course of his ongoing national tour, former President John Mahama reiterated his dedication to reviewing the policy if elected president in the 2024 elections.

On the other hand, the Education Minister, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum has dismissed these calls, asserting that the Free SHS programme requires outcomes enhancement rather than a comprehensive review.

Dr. Adutwum acknowledged that the policy has faced criticism but emphasised the need for targeted improvements in specific areas rather than an overall reassessment.

“No…We just have to improve the learning outcomes and ensure that the investment is worth the while of Ghanaians, so that they know that their taxes are being used to their benefit, and we are bridging the gap between the rich and the poor.”

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