The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, urged the government to reconsider the Free SHS policy, suggesting a mixed funding model where families who can afford to pay contribute while financial aid is directed towards needy students.
He emphasized the need for a national dialogue to address challenges like overcrowding and inadequate resources, highlighting the importance of continuous education and equal learning opportunities.
“Those who can afford to pay, let’s have a second look at the policy. If someone can afford it, let’s allow them to pay."
“In the old times, when you passed, the bursary would look for good but needy students and award them scholarships, and those who could afford to pay did so.”
“This Free SHS we are talking about, although we have implemented it, if we have a dialogue and find out that it will result in students coming home every now and then because there is no food, then it is not fit for purpose.” He said during a meeting with the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu.
He also raised concerns about infrastructure and logistical challenges affecting senior high schools, including overcrowded dormitories, lack of science and ICT laboratories, food shortages, and inadequate school buses.
“Our dormitories are overcrowded and lack science and ICT labs. Sometimes PTA makes contributions to support. The lack of school buses and the shortage of food should all be looked at. Let us implement it well so that students will stay in school and have enough to eat.”
