Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has expressed concerns about the challenges facing Ghana’s Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, suggesting that a review may be necessary if issues persist.
The Asantehene questioned the effectiveness of the policy in its current state, citing food shortages, accommodation challenges, and inconsistent academic calendars as major concerns.
Speaking at the Manhyia Palace, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II argued that if students continue to face hardships, it would be better to either cancel or restructure the policy to allow those who can afford it to pay.
He emphasized that the policy’s current state may not be sustainable, and a review could provide a solution.
The Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu, acknowledged the concerns raised and assured the Asantehene that the government is committed to addressing the issues.
He stated that his ministry is working on interventions to improve feeding, accommodation, and overall management of the policy to ensure its effectiveness.
The Free SHS policy was introduced to ensure equal access to secondary education, but its implementation has been marred by challenges.
The Asantehene’s call for a review has sparked a national conversation about the policy’s future.
