Former Finance Minister Seth Terkper has suggested that to reduce pressure on the government budget, all Free Senior High Schools (SHSs) should transition to exclusively offering day schooling.
Terkper argued that the longstanding legacy of Free SHS should lead to a transformation of the system into a day school model rather than a boarding school model.
He made these comments during an interview on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on March 4, emphasizing that no advanced country implements free secondary education with a boarding system.
“Tell me which advanced country has a free secondary education which comes with boarding with all fees and everything paid…the public schools are all day.
“Have not seen the old style boardination when government takes all the responsibility it is in enormous,” he added.
Mr. Terkper highlighted the benefits of Free SHS but suggested transitioning to a day system to alleviate pressure on the government, given the extensive responsibilities in education.
He acknowledged that Free SHS is a significant legacy that should be maintained. However, he proposed that the government could have required boarding students to pay to share responsibilities and reduce the burden on the government.
Emphasizing the extensive nature of education, the former finance minister argued that expecting the government to bear the entire cost of Free SHS might not be sustainable for Ghana’s economy, especially considering its low-income status.
“Even the advanced countries do it through a day school system,” he said.
For months, parents, teachers, and stakeholders have voiced concerns about perceived shortcomings of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, particularly regarding the provision of three daily hot meals to SHS students free of charge.
After more than seven years of policy implementation, President Akufo-Addo highlighted the transformative impact of the Free SHS policy during the 2024 State of the Nation Address in Parliament on Tuesday, February 27.
He urged an end to arguments against the policy, emphasizing the need to acknowledge its success and focus efforts on its improvement.
“Mr Speaker, Free SHS might be labelled by its detractors as a mere political slogan that must be demonised, but it is, in fact, a transformative programme that has broken myths and liberated minds.
“I am proud that the NPP government, under my leadership, has been able to bring this transformative policy into our education system.
“Mr Speaker, I believe the success of the Free SHS has answered its critics and the arguments about it should cease, and we should simply concentrate on finding ways to improve it.”