Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Emmanuel Tornyi
Published on 2024-02-26 13:48:19
The implementation of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy in Ghana has led to a significant increase in student enrollment, according to a report by Eduwatch. The report stated that an average of 422,940 students were enrolled annually after the policy was introduced, compared to an average of 260,490 annual enrollments in the six years before the policy was implemented.
Between the academic years 2019/20 and 2022/23, the report highlighted that 194,862 candidates did not honor their admissions at first instance into second-cycle schools. This indicates a challenge in ensuring that all admitted students actually attend and complete their secondary education.
In terms of government allocation and expenditure, the report revealed that between the academic years 2017/23 and 2023/24, a total of GH¢12.88 billion was allocated to the Free SHS policy, averaging GH¢1.84 billion annually. Further analysis showed that between the 2017/21 and 2021/22 academic years, GH¢5.3 billion was expended on the policy, averaging GH¢1.06 billion per year. The report also noted that in nominal terms, the annual budgetary allocation to the Free SHS policy increased by 639 percent, from GH¢400 million in the 2017 academic year to GH¢2.95 billion in the 2023 academic year.
However, when adjusting for inflation within the period, the increment in budgetary allocation reduces to 443 percent, from GH¢352.8 million in 2017 to GH¢1.91 billion in 2023. This adjustment accounts for changes in the value of money over time and provides a more accurate comparison of budget increases.
In light of the findings, Eduwatch urged the government to reconsider the Free SHS policy and proposed that parents opting to have their children reside in the boarding house should be responsible for covering the associated fees. This recommendation aims to ensure a more sustainable funding model for the policy while still providing access to free education for all students.
The report from Eduwatch provides valuable insights into the impact of the Free SHS policy on student enrollment, government expenditure, and potential policy adjustments. By analyzing data on student admissions, budget allocations, and inflation adjustments, Eduwatch presents a comprehensive assessment of the policy’s effectiveness and sustainability.
In conclusion, the Free SHS policy in Ghana has led to a significant increase in student enrollment, with substantial government expenditure to support the initiative. However, challenges such as non-honoring of admissions and rising costs necessitate a reexamination of the policy to ensure its long-term viability. Eduwatch’s report serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, educators, and stakeholders involved in the future of secondary education in Ghana.
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