The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has added his voice to the growing calls for a policy review of Ghana’s Free Senior High School (SHS) program, urging the government to adopt a more targeted approach that prioritizes students in need.
During a meeting with the newly appointed Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, Otumfuo proposed a hybrid funding model that would allow parents who are financially capable to contribute to the cost of their children’s education, freeing up state resources for underprivileged students.
Call for equity over blanket subsidies
“Let us take a second look at the policy,” he said. “If someone can afford to pay, let them. In the past, scholarships and bursaries supported bright but needy students, while others paid their fees.”
Otumfuo acknowledged the positive impact the Free SHS policy has had on access to education since its rollout in 2017 but cautioned that its current structure may not be financially sustainable in the long term. He stressed the need for a national conversation on how best to reform the policy to maintain both quality and access.
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“If we don’t structure it well and students are sent home regularly because there’s no food, then the system is not fit for purpose,” he added.
Infrastructure, logistics, and quality in focus
Beyond the financial concerns, the Asantehene raised pressing issues around infrastructure and resource deficits in many SHS institutions. He pointed to overcrowded dormitories, a lack of science and ICT laboratories, limited school buses, and ongoing food shortages that affect teaching and learning outcomes.
“Our schools lack basic facilities. Dormitories are congested, and science and ICT labs are missing. The Parent-Teacher Associations sometimes step in, but the government must ensure a sustainable implementation of the policy,” he said.
Time for reform?
The Free SHS policy was introduced to eliminate financial barriers to secondary education and has led to a significant rise in student enrollment. However, questions over its funding, quality assurance, and long-term sustainability continue to fuel debate among policymakers and stakeholders.
Otumfuo’s comments come at a time when the Ministry of Education is said to be reviewing major aspects of the policy to address ongoing challenges and improve efficiency.
His suggestion aligns with growing sentiments from civil society groups, education experts, and economists who argue that a needs-based approach could protect the gains made while ensuring better outcomes for all.
