The proposed Free SHS bill, yet to be presented in parliament, aims to overhaul the education system by removing the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) as a prerequisite for entry into secondary school, according to Graphic.com.gh.
Under the bill, junior high school (JHS) would be separated from basic school and integrated into a six-year secondary education framework. The BECE would solely serve as a tool for school placement.
Dr. Adutwum explained that if passed, SHS certification would become the primary academic qualification in Ghana, replacing the current BECE certification.
The minister emphasized that this restructuring would ensure a continuous six-year secondary education, with new schools accommodating both JHS and SHS students on the same campuses.
Existing schools with combined JHS and SHS programs would continue this practice, resembling the traditional model where students from different levels studied together.
Dr. Adutwum highlighted that the bill aims to revive a system similar to the old Middle School and Secondary School setup, where the Common Entrance Examination determined school placement and the Hall Examination served as certification for employment or further education opportunities.
Why Legislation?
During an interaction with journalists, Dr. Adutwum highlighted the importance of legislating Free SHS. He noted that while the current policy is not mandatory, future governments might discontinue it if they deem it unnecessary.
“We need a law that ensures free, compulsory universal secondary education. This means the minimum education for Ghanaians should be senior high school, not junior high school,” he stressed.
The proposed bill seeks to expand on the constitutional guarantee of free compulsory universal basic education (FCUBE) provided by the 1992 Constitution, extending this right to secondary education in line with Article 38.
This article mandates the state to furnish educational facilities across all levels and ensure access for every citizen.
Dr. Adutwum highlighted the significant impact of the Free SHS policy, which saw a record enrollment of over 505,000 students in its inaugural year.
Despite this achievement, he expressed concern about students not continuing to SHS due to age-related issues, arguing that mandatory secondary education could mitigate vulnerabilities to crime and societal challenges.
The minister praised the Free SHS policy’s positive influence in northern regions, where junior to senior high school transition rates notably exceed those in the south. For example, the Northern Region boasts a 95% transition rate compared to the Volta Region’s 66%.
Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin challenged the Minority in Parliament to clarify their position on the Free SHS legislation. He announced Executive approval for the Free SHS Bill, slated for imminent introduction in Parliament.
In response, Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson clarified that the Minority Caucus does not oppose the bill and urged swift presentation to Parliament.
Dr. Forson reiterated Minority support for policies aimed at sustaining and enhancing the Free SHS initiative.
Since its inception in 2017, the Free SHS policy has benefited over 3.04 million students but has also faced criticism regarding issues like feeding, accommodation, extended vacations, and uncertainties in the SHS academic calendar.
Some educators and think tanks advocate for policy reviews to address these challenges and ensure sustainable funding.