On October 10, 2024, the YAFO Institute hosted a significant event at the Charleston Hotel in Tesano, Accra—the Free Senior High School (S.H.S) Policy Reform Dialogue. The gathering aimed to bring together key stakeholders to critically discuss the impact of Ghana’s Free S.H.S policy on household poverty and suggest necessary reforms to tackle some unintended challenges. While the Free SHS policy has undeniably been beneficial, the discussions sought to shed light on the financial strains it has placed on families, often contrary to its intended purpose.
Prof. Enoch Opoku Antwi, the Dean of Academic City University, chaired the event, brought his insights to the conversation, alongside various educational and policy experts. Notable among the participants were Mr. Eredon Gien Joseph, representing the Ghana National Association of Private Schools, Mr. Ebenezer Tackie O. Yamusah from the Conservative Policy Research Center, and Mr. Muhammed Malik from the Bissa Development Association. Others, including Derek Nii Asai Ankrah of Eaupropre Afrique GH. LTD and Andrew J. Maxford, Research Assistant, Office of Member of Parliament, Madina, were also present. Charles Fiifi Hagan of the Chayil Darar Institute, as well as other educational stakeholders, contributed their expertise. The dialogue was built on a foundation of research presented by Justine Guodolima Kankpeyeng, Policy Scholar at YAFO Institute.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Antwi highlighted an often overlooked key distinction—the difference between campaign promises and policy implementation. He explained that while campaign promises are made to garner political support, the reality of policy implementation is far more complex. A successful policy, he emphasized, requires thorough planning, budgeting, and execution, which is where the gaps in the Free S.H.S policy become apparent. Although the policy has been politically popular, it has faced several operational challenges that need addressing to make it more effective.
The research presented at the event focused on the unintended consequences of the Free S.H.S policy, with a particular focus on how it has impacted household poverty. The data revealed that nearly 99% of Ghanaians know the policy. However, despite the waiver of school fees, the expected financial relief has not materialized for many families. According to the findings, 62% of parents have not been able to save money due to the policy, while only 38% reported savings, with an average monthly amount of just GHC13 per month.
Though 41% of parents acknowledged the benefits of the Free S.H.S policy, particularly in providing more children access to education, there was widespread dissatisfaction (58%) with the Double Track System. This system, introduced to manage overcrowded classrooms, has created new financial burdens for families. Students and parents alike have had to navigate disrupted schedules, leading to increased transportation costs and challenges in maintaining steady routines.
Several unintended consequences of the policy were identified during the dialogue. These included additional financial costs for families despite the removal of school fees, inadequate infrastructure resulting in overcrowded classrooms, and insufficient teaching materials and meal provisions. Moreover, the Double Track System, which sends students home for extended periods, has been linked to a rise in teenage pregnancies and forced parents to pay for extra classes to compensate for poor academic performance in overcrowded schools. The excessive and, at times, unnecessary school supply lists also added to these challenges.
Ironically, instead of reducing household poverty as intended, the policy has, per the research, exacerbated it. Stakeholders observed that while the policy is marketed as “free,” it is funded through taxes, meaning citizens are indirectly paying for it. As Mr. Nathaniel Dwamena, President of the YAFO Institute, pointed out, “There is nothing free; the Free S.H.S policy may be labeled free, but it is rather expensive since the government pays, and the citizens also pay indirectly through their taxes.”
During the discussions, many parents expressed frustration over the frequent disruptions caused by the short school sessions. The constant shuffling between home and school not only increased transport costs but also hindered parents’ ability to work and added to household expenses. This, in turn, reduced the time students spent in the classroom, negatively impacting their education.
Out of these discussions emerged several key recommendations for reforming the Free S.H.S policy. One suggestion was to decentralize decision-making to give local authorities greater control over addressing unique challenges faced by different schools. Another proposal was to decouple the Free S.H.S Secretariat from the presidency, allowing for more independent and efficient management of the program. Additionally, there were calls to standardize schools across the country to ensure equitable distribution of resources and infrastructure, thereby reducing the need for the Double Track System.
Reforming the Computerized School Placement System was also discussed, with stakeholders advocating for a more efficient and fair system. There was a consensus that the private sector should be more involved in helping to alleviate infrastructure challenges, easing overcrowding in public schools. Furthermore, the dialogue highlighted the need for the Ghana Education Service (GES) to take on a more prominent role in the implementation of the policy, emphasizing that the GES should lead efforts to resolve operational challenges and ensure smooth execution.
Article by
Hillary Esa Agbanaglo
