Reviewing the Free-SHS Policy: Balancing access, quality, infrastructure needs

Since its introduction in 2017, Ghana’s Free Senior High School (SHS) policy has significantly expanded access to education, removing financial barriers for countless students.

Under the leadership of former President Akufo-Addo, this landmark initiative has increased enrolment, providing opportunities for many young Ghanaians who would otherwise have been excluded from secondary education.

While the policy’s impact in broadening access is undeniable, there is growing consensus that it requires a thorough review to address the emerging challenges related to the quality of education and infrastructure.

President Mahama and the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, have raised critical concerns about the sustainability of the Free-SHS programme.

Their concerns extend beyond the financial feasibility of the policy, pointing to the physical and logistical challenges that schools across the country face due to the influx of students.

Otumfuo’s intervention has been particularly noteworthy.

He has drawn attention to the practical difficulties that schools are experiencing due to overcrowding.

Issues such as congested dormitories, inadequate teaching facilities, food shortages, and a general strain on resources have been highlighted.

Otumfuo has called for a more targeted approach, advocating a system where those who can afford to pay for education contribute to ease the financial burden on the state.

This proposal is not a rejection of Free SHS but rather a call for its recalibration to ensure that it continues to serve those who need it most while ensuring that the policy remains sustainable in the long term.

President Mahama has called for a review to ensure that the Free-SHS remains and that it focuses on providing education for the underprivileged while safeguarding the quality of education for all students.

President Mahama’s perspective aligns with the broader national conversation on balancing access to education with the need for quality and efficiency.

Infrastructure

A central issue in this debate is the state of infrastructure in schools. With the increasing number of students, existing facilities are under pressure and many schools are struggling to keep up.

Although efforts have been made under the previous government to build new classrooms, science laboratories, and dormitories, the rate of construction has not kept pace with the surge in student numbers.

Consequently, there is an urgent need for more significant investment in educational infrastructure to accommodate the growing student population.

One area that needs particular attention is the state of washroom facilities in schools. Reports from across the country reveal that many schools lack adequate and well-maintained sanitation facilities.

In some instances, students are forced to resort to unsanitary alternatives, such as using bushes, due to the poor state of washrooms.

This situation is not only unacceptable but also poses serious health risks, which ultimately affect students’ ability to focus on their education.

The government must allocate significant resources towards the construction and renovation of washroom facilities designed to cater to the needs of all students, including those with disabilities in public schools.

Hygiene and maintenance should be top priorities, with regular cleaning schedules, the provision of necessary supplies, and dedicated staff to ensure that washrooms are kept in good condition.

Furthermore, ensuring access to clean water, soap and hand-washing facilities should be a fundamental aspect of the policy, as poor hygiene can lead to the spread of diseases, impacting students’ health and attendance.

It is also crucial to provide gender-specific washroom facilities that cater to the needs of male and female students separately.

For female students, these facilities must be equipped to handle menstrual hygiene, with adequate privacy and dignity, especially as the government is rolling out free sanitary pads initiatives at the primary and secondary levels. 

To ensure the sustainability of these improvements, the government must engage local communities and sanitation experts in developing robust waste management systems. Community involvement in the upkeep and maintenance of school facilities is also essential, as it fosters a sense of shared responsibility.

The government should work closely with local stakeholders to ensure that schools are adequately resourced and that sanitation standards are consistently met.

Comprehensive approach

In conclusion, the review of the Free-SHS policy should not merely focus on financial aspects but adopt a comprehensive approach that addresses infrastructure deficits, quality of education and the need for adequate sanitation facilities.

The concerns raised by President Mahama and Otumfuo highlight the necessity of recalibrating the policy to balance access with quality and sustainability.

By prioritising infrastructure improvements, particularly regarding washroom facilities, the government can ensure that all students, regardless of background, have access to a healthy and conducive learning environment.

Incorporating these considerations into the policy review will enable Ghana to build on the successes of the Free-SHS programme while ensuring that it meets the evolving needs of students and the broader educational system.

The writer is a Political Scientist