Fix Free SHS or Scrap It – Otumfuo Tells Government
The Asantehene urges the government to address food shortages, accommodation issues, and unstable academic calendars in the Free SHS policy—warning that a review or restructuring may be necessary if challenges persist.
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has expressed concerns over the persistent challenges facing the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy and has urged the government to consider a review if issues such as food shortages, inadequate accommodation, and irregular academic calendars are not resolved.
Speaking at Manhyia Palace during a courtesy visit by Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu on Friday, March 14, Otumfuo questioned the sustainability of the policy in its current form.
“If students go to school under Free SHS but struggle with food shortages, lack of accommodation, and unstable academic schedules, then it would be better to either restructure the policy or scrap it altogether. Alternatively, those who can afford to pay should be allowed to do so,” Otumfuo stated.
In response, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu acknowledged these concerns and assured the Asantehene that the government is committed to addressing the issues. He noted that efforts are underway to improve feeding, accommodation, and overall policy implementation to enhance its effectiveness.
Otumfuo’s remarks add to the ongoing national debate about the future of Free SHS, with experts advocating for a means-testing approach that would provide full government support to students from low-income families while allowing those who can afford it to contribute.
Meanwhile, the government’s National Education Forum Planning Committee has received 20,050 responses on the Free SHS policy through an online platform, along with over 2,000 online submissions and 200 paper submissions on broader educational concerns.
