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Hon. Kofi Adade, former assembly member, senior journalist at Oyerepa 100.7 FM & TV, and CEO of the Kofi Adade Foundation, has called for a policy revision of Ghana’s Free Senior High School (Free SHS) program. He proposes that only students who obtain BECE results between 6 Ones and 10 Ones should qualify for free education.
According to Hon. Adade, this approach would help the government manage financial constraints while ensuring that top-performing students receive quality education without compromise.
A More Efficient Free SHS Model
Speaking on the challenges of sustaining Free SHS, Hon. Adade argued that offering free education to all students, regardless of performance, is putting excessive financial pressure on the government. He believes that by focusing on merit, Ghana can maintain a high standard of education while effectively managing resources.
“Free SHS is a great initiative, but its current structure is financially unsustainable. If we prioritize students who excel in their BECE, the government can ensure quality education for those who truly deserve it while creating alternative funding options for others,” he stated.
Balancing Access and Sustainability
The Free SHS policy, introduced in 2017, has expanded access to secondary education across Ghana. However, it has faced challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, delays in funding, and concerns over declining quality.
Hon. Adade emphasized that students who do not qualify under the merit-based Free SHS should have access to scholarships, bursaries, or a cost-sharing model to ensure that no child is left behind.
“We are not saying education should be denied to anyone. But we must be strategic in our investments. Scholarships and student aid programs can support those who don’t meet the cut-off for Free SHS,” he added.
A Call for Policy Dialogue
Hon. Adade is urging the Ministry of Education and stakeholders to reassess the Free SHS framework and consider introducing performance-based qualification criteria. He believes that such a move would motivate students to work harder, reduce government expenditure, and ensure that education remains a top priority.
Conclusion
As Ghana continues to debate the future of Free SHS, Hon. Kofi Adade’s proposal offers a practical solution to the funding crisis. Whether the government will consider this merit-based approach remains a question for policymakers.
For more information, contact:
Hon. Kofi Adade – 0243176589
