Minority refutes claim of free SHS inclusivity by Education Minister

The Minority in Parliament has refuted claims by the Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, that the free SHS policy has promoted inclusive education for all students.

Dr. Yaw Adutwum, at an event dubbed “The Free SHS Story” in Accra on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, underscored the role of the policy in providing educational support to enhance student learning.

Speaking to Citi News, ranking member of the Education Committee in Parliament, Peter Nortsu-Kotoe said the Education Minister’s claim is invalid, citing several shortcomings within the education sector.

“It is not correct because Africa Education Watch did an analysis this year, and it is true that about 196,000 students in the last four years could not participate in the free secondary school policy program due to poverty. You see, even though we say it’s free in the real sense, it’s not really free.”

He also said that the financial burden of buying essential items for their children is another major challenge for most parents.

He said: “Parents spend as much as 5,000 cedis on buying items and paying money to these schools before entering their wards. And how many parents will get that? If you go to the rural areas, it was about 1500 to 2000…’

Meanwhile, Peter Nortsu-Kotoe reiterated that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) still stands by its decision to review the Free SHS policy and not abolish it.

“Former President Mahama said he would continue the Free senior high school and even expand it to private schools that are willing to participate. He said it categorically and also indicated that within 100 days of coming to office, he will organize a review program of education in the free secondary school so that there is certainty.

“We are going to make it better and more accessible. We will ensure that we complete all abandoned schools and E-block to ensure that students have enough space to sleep, study and make them comfortable to study very hard.

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