Free SHS a Missed Opportunity Due to Poor Implementation – Rashid Pelpuo
Wa Central MP condemns government’s handling of Free SHS, citing poor feeding, financial strain, and psychological harm to students
- Dr. Rashid Pelpuo criticizes Free SHS for failing to meet basic needs like feeding students adequately
- Claims the policy imposes hidden financial burdens on parents despite being labeled "free."
- Questions the long-term impact on students' mental well-being and academic outcomes
Dr. Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo, Member of Parliament for Wa Central, has delivered a sharp critique of the government’s Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, citing major shortcomings in its execution.
In an interview, Dr. Pelpuo acknowledged the initiative’s good intentions but argued that it has not fulfilled its promises effectively.
“It’s not a success story worth celebrating,” he stated. “When you impose something you call free on Ghanaians, yet fail to address basic needs like feeding, it becomes painful. Children are sometimes fed just once a day—what impact does this have on their psyche? What are you training them to become? It’s terrible.”
His remarks follow President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s glowing review of his administration’s educational policies, including Free SHS and TVET, during his final State of the Nation Address on January 3, 2025.
The president highlighted that 5.7 million young Ghanaians have benefited from these initiatives.
