“Cancel Free SHS If Students Can’t Be Fed or Housed” – Otumfuo Tells Government

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has raised serious concerns about Ghana’s Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, questioning its effectiveness in light of ongoing food shortages, accommodation difficulties, and erratic academic schedules.

Speaking at the Manhyia Palace during a visit by Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, Otumfuo suggested that if these challenges persist, the policy should either be scrapped or revised to allow those who can afford it to pay.

“If students under Free SHS are not getting food, face accommodation issues, and barely stay in school, then it’s better to cancel the policy or restructure it,” he stated.

In response, Minister Iddrisu acknowledged the concerns and assured the Asantehene that efforts are underway to improve feeding, accommodation, and overall implementation of the policy.

The Free SHS initiative, introduced to ensure equal access to secondary education, continues to face criticism over infrastructure and logistical setbacks.