The proposed Free SHS legislation, yet to be introduced in Parliament, aims to adjust the education system by abolishing the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) as a prerequisite for entry into Senior High School (SHS), according t reports.
The bill proposes restructuring the educational framework by separating junior high school (JHS) from basic school and integrating it into a six-year secondary education continuum.
Under this plan, the BECE would solely serve as a means for school selection.
Dr. Adutwum explained that upon passage of the bill, SHS certification would become the primary formal academic qualification in the country, superseding the current BECE certification.
The minister stressed that this restructuring would ensure a seamless six-year secondary education, with new schools hosting both JHS and SHS students on the same campuses. Existing schools with combined JHS and SHS facilities would continue this practice, akin to the old system where students from ordinary and advanced levels studied together.
Dr. Adutwum highlighted that the bill aims to revive a system reminiscent of the former Middle School and Secondary School relationship, where the Common Entrance Examination determined school placement and the Hall Examination served as certification for employment or further education.
The Need for Legislation
In discussions with journalists, Dr. Adutwum underscored the importance of enshrining Free SHS into law.
He emphasized that while the current policy is not obligatory, future administrations could potentially terminate it if they perceive it as 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 1992 Constitution already mandates free compulsory universal basic education (FCUBE). The proposed bill aims to extend this guarantee to secondary education, aligning with Article 38, which mandates the state to provide educational facilities at all levels and ensure access for all citizens.
Dr. Adutwum pointed out that due to the Free SHS policy, over 505,000 students enrolled in their first year this year, marking the highest enrollment in the country’s history. However, he expressed concern that some students who are not yet of working age opt out of continuing to SHS. The minister argued that mandating secondary education would prevent such students from becoming susceptible to crime and other societal issues.
The minister lauded the positive impact of Free SHS in northern regions, where transition rates from JHS to SHS are significantly higher than in southern regions. 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 its position on the Free SHS legislation.
He announced that the Free SHS Bill had received executive approval and would soon be presented to Parliament.
In response, Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson stated that the Minority Caucus has not opposed the bill and urged the government to expedite its presentation to Parliament.
Dr. Forson reiterated that the Minority supports policies aimed at sustaining and enhancing the Free SHS initiative.
While the Free SHS policy has benefited over 3.04 million students since its inception in 2017, it has also faced criticism concerning issues such as feeding, accommodation, lengthy vacations, and uncertainties in the SHS academic calendar.
Some educators and think tanks have called for a review of the policy to address these challenges and ensure sustainable funding.