Seth Terkper Advocates for Free SHS to be Limited to Day Students
Terkper suggests that limiting free SHS to day students would ease financial pressure on the government
- Terkper suggests that the government should only fund day students
- Boarding schools should be reserved for talented or needy students who qualify for scholarships
- Terkper questions the long-term sustainability of Ghana's current free SHS system
Former Finance Minister Seth Terkper has suggested that Ghana should limit its free senior high school (SHS) programme to day students, much like the approach in the United States and Europe.
He pointed out that in these regions, boarding schools are generally reserved for academically exceptional or needy students who earn scholarships.
Terkper questioned why the government should cover the entire cost of the free SHS programme, which has already amounted to GHS 9.9 billion since its launch in 2017 under the Akufo-Addo administration.
When asked about funding plans under a potential Mahama government, Terkper proposed engaging the diaspora in discussions.
He highlighted that, in many developed countries, secondary education is free for day students, with transportation provided, while boarding schools typically serve elite or scholarship-worthy students. He questioned the long-term sustainability of Ghana’s current system, asking, “Why not follow their example? What makes us think we should support free SHS without limits, with the government covering every cost?”
