3.9 million have benefited from Free SHS and not 5.1 million – Minister of Education
Ghana’s Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has corrected the number of beneficiaries of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, stating that 3.9 million students have benefited, contrary to previous claims of 5.1 million. This correction is crucial for accurate planning and resource allocation.
Iddrisu emphasized the importance of reliable data, warning that inflated figures could lead to financial mismanagement and resource wastage.
He also called for a review of the policy’s sustainability, citing concerns over its impact on the fair allocation of resources to other critical areas, such as Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education (FCUBE).
The Minister revealed that over GH¢7 billion had been spent on the initiative since its inception in 2017.
While the policy had significantly increased access to secondary education, it had also placed a financial strain on the overall education budget.
Iddrisu warned of an impending infrastructure crisis due to the rapid expansion of SHS enrollment without corresponding investments to absorb graduates at the tertiary level. To address this challenge, he proposed significant investments in infrastructure.
To tackle the challenges facing the education sector, Iddrisu proposed several strategic initiatives, including a 40-20-20-20 formula for allocating resources from the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), uncapping the GETFund to free up additional resources, decentralizing food procurement, and integrating private schools into the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS).
The Minister announced plans to leverage the Ghana Commodity Exchange and Buffer Stock Company for better food distribution.
He disclosed that GH¢100 million had already been released to address immediate food shortages, with another GH¢100 million needed for the next month.
Iddrisu reiterated the need for a national debate on the future of Free SHS and the broader education system.
He stressed the importance of sustainable financing, equitable resource allocation, and strategic planning to ensure the long-term success of Ghana’s education policies.
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