Africa Education Watch calls for review of free SHS policy amid demands for arrears
Kofi Asare
The Africa Education Watch has raised concerns over the government’s handling of the Free Senior High School (FSHS) policy in Ghana, citing the continuous demand for arrears by the National Association of Institutional Suppliers and National Food Suppliers as evidence of the policy’s challenges.
Recently, the National Association of Institutional Suppliers issued a two-week ultimatum to the government, demanding payment for services rendered since the previous year.
The group is responsible for producing and supplying school uniforms to students in public schools.
Kofi Asare, the Executive Director of Africa Education Watch, expressed his views in an interview with Citi News.
He stated that the recurring issues with school uniforms and food supply highlight the government’s inability to fully and effectively finance the FSHS program.
Asare pointed out that, in the past six years, the government has consistently released only about 65% of the allocated funds for the FSHS program by year-end.
Such underfunding has led to mounting debts and challenges in managing the program.
He urged the government to review the FSHS policy promptly in light of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis and the related financial constraints.
The consistent underfunding over the years has led to a situation where debts accumulate, and service providers are left waiting for payment.
In addition to calling for a policy review, Asare also advised the government to settle the outstanding arrears owed to the National Association of Institutional Suppliers and consider canceling the uniform contract.
He argued that parents traditionally bore the responsibility of buying school uniforms for their children even during their time in junior high school.
Thus, the government’s intervention to provide uniforms during senior high school appears unnecessary and financially burdensome.
Asare suggested that redirecting resources from such expenditures to critical teaching and learning materials would be more beneficial, especially for parents who are economically disadvantaged.
By prioritizing essential educational resources, the government can effectively address the needs of students and ensure a conducive learning environment for all.
The Africa Education Watch’s concerns highlight the importance of effective financial management and strategic resource allocation to sustain the success of the FSHS program and uplift the quality of education in Ghana.
SOURCE: Coverghana.com.gh
