Free SHS not destroying “Ivy League” schools-Deputy Education Minister

Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum has dispelled concerns the implementation of the Free Senior High School policy will end up compromising quality at some high profile schools in the country.

 Policy Analyst and Vice President of policy think-tank IMANI Ghana Kofi Bentil said the policy, which started on  Monday, risk harming the reputation of schools such as Achimota, Wesley Girls, Mfantsipim and others because funding to them will be drastically impacted. 

"Every country needs to protect some institutions and make them institutions of excellence at every level. We should not destroy the Presecs, Wesley Girls, Mfansitipim, Holy Child, Ghana National Colleges, and all those nice schools that produced all of us."

But speaking to JoyFm’s breakfast show, Dr. Osei Adutwum wondered where the risk is going to come from, especially when enrollment is not being reduced and the needed funds not going to the schools, as stipulated. 

The policy is one of the government’s main promises ahead of the 2016 elections. President Akufo-Addo promised the concept would be implemented to ensure every child, irrespective of economic status, gets a shot at education, even from the lower bottom of the ladder. 

“Knowledge and talent are not for the rich and privileged alone. Free education widens the gates of opportunities to every child, especially those whose talents are arrested because of poverty.” 

Dr. Osei Adutwum said the policy means every child of school going age is going to have an opportunity to access education because parents whose brilliant wards are unable to pay will not be sent home. 

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According to him, the policy does not mean former students and parents cannot contribute to the well-being of the institution where their wards attend school-rather, he explained, underprivileged children would get to enjoy the 

According to him, parents are still encouraged to contribute freely to schools they are affiliated to-something which would help other underprivileged children benefit from. 

“We are not preventing parents from donating to schools,” he said. “In the US where high schools have been free for generations, parents donate and willing do so.” 

He said the policy rather avoids a situation where headmasters level students across the board-a situation which ends up impacting negatively at children whose parents are unable to afford. 

“When you levy across the board, the unintended consequences happen,” he said.  He said a parent from poor background “may not be able to pay Ghc 400 for his ward and that child would be sent home.” 

Dr. Osei Adutwum expressed confidence in the policy and assured his outfit will ensure it works and the true beneficiaries get the right results.

www.primenewsghana.com/ Ghana News