All You Need To Know About The Free SHS Program

According to the Minister of Education, all is set for the Free SHS to take off.
The Free Senior High School program is the most important policy for the Akufo-Addo- led government. The NPP before victory in 2016 had on several occasions in 2008, 2012, and 2016 trumpeted the Free SHS in their manifesto. The program promises to get every qualified child into Senior High Schools.

On Thursday 27th July 2017, the Ministry of Education met the press to address all concerns about the Free SHS program, as many had raised many issues such as cost and quality. The Minister of Education, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh gave a comprehensive presentation at the Ministry of information during his encounter with the press. He spelled out details of how the government intends to implement the Free SHS. The Minister speaking about the concern about the cost of providing education for free said, " the President intends to implement and extend Free SHS program to all Ghanaians in September 2017 and government is not oblivious of the challenges and obstacles it comes with."

Elimination of Cost
The minister says Free SHS program will absolve costs such as tuition fees, computer fees, examination fess as well as the contentious Parent Teacher Association (PTA) dues. Eliminating the cost will help increase enrollment in the various schools. Having foresight of the increase in enrollment is making government embark on education infrastructural development across the country. Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh calmed fears while answering questions that the economy, barely stable, cannot support 100% funding from the government.

Eligibility
All graduates who are Ghanaians and placed under the computer placement system will benefit from the Free SHS program.

Quality.
According to the minster, the quality of education will not be compromised because of the expected anticipated increase in enrollment. Teachers will be trained periodically and motivated. Teaching and Learning Materials will also be given to aid their work.

Equity.
All students who have obtained placement in a Secondary School will have a fair chance at being a Free SHS beneficiary. School heads are expected by the government to allocate thirty percent of admissions to students from remote areas in the country. This the government hopes will break the cycle of seeing only graduates from urban areas enrolled in top schools.
The minister said the Free SHS is geared toward meeting the Sustainable Development Goal 4, Target 1, which states that " by 2030 all boys and girls complete free equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes.
The minister praised Abraham Atta for voluntarily taking up the responsibility to be Free SHS Ambassador out of goodwill, without taking a dime. He admonished the media to give him the praise he deserves as a shining star of Ghana. From The EKOsystem, we say ayekoo Abraham Attah and wish this government all the best in their quest for this unprecedented feat.

Credits: Free SHS Ghana,Facebook

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