Mahama’s Free SHS Review Plan Based On Elitism- Says Varsity dons

A group of university lecturers in Ghana has strongly criticized former President John Dramani Mahama’s proposal to review the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy. The lecturers, who have initiated a campaign to protect the existing Free SHS system in the Central, Upper East and Upper West regions, argue that Mahama’s plan to enhance the policy would not improve quality but is instead rooted in elitism.

In a radio interview on Bankam FM 95.1 in Jukwa, Central Region, on Friday, November 23, 2024 , the university dons explained that Mahama’s proposal to modify the Free SHS policy is just particularly to introduce a tiered system where fees for ‘Category A’ schools would be higher, to exclude many students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. According to the lecturers, this move would widen the gap between the rich and poor in terms of access to quality education.

Elitism

Dr. Frank Bannor, a Development Economist and Lecturer at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), said Mahama’s plan is not about improving quality for all students.

Instead, Dr. Bannor stressed that the NDC flagbearer intends to create a system where only those who can afford high fees would have access to the best schools, leaving the majority of students—particularly from poor and rural backgrounds—at a disadvantage. “This is elitism in its purest form,” he added.

Dr. Bannor argued that Mahama’s plan will create an education system that is even more unequal, with a clearer division between elite schools and others.

He outlined that the original intent of Free SHS, which was rolled out in 2017 by the NPP government under President Nana Akufo-Addo, was to make secondary education accessible to all Ghanaian children, regardless of their socioeconomic background. He said the program, which provides free tuition, textbooks, and other educational materials, has benefited millions of students across the country, especially those from disadvantaged communities.

He expressed concern that Mahama’s proposed elite-based model could lead to a situation where only the students from wealthier families receive the bulk of resources, potentially leaving behind students from lower-income households who are in dire need of government support.

“This shift towards an elite-based Free SHS system could widen the existing educational gap in the country. Mahama will not ensure protection and continued access for students from poorer backgrounds. He wull undermine years of progress in creating equitable opportunities for all students,” Dr. Bannor warned.

Protection

Another lecturer, Professor Isaac Boadi, Dean of the Faculty of Finance and Accounting at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), stated that the Free SHS policy, which ensures that all Ghanaian children have access to secondary education without paying fees must be protected and preserved by every Ghanaian. He added that it is a significant step in bridging the educational divide between the rich and the poor. He indicated that Mahama’s proposed review would undo these gains.

“The Free SHS policy is one of the most important social interventions we have had in this country. It has enabled children from all walks of life to access quality education. If Mahama goes ahead with this elitist approach, it would be a step backwards,” said Prof. Boadi in the interview.

Inclusive, accessible

He was adamant that the free education system must remain inclusive and accessible to every Ghanaian child irrespective of financial background or political affiliation.

He also wxpressed the view that the NDC presidential candidate does not believe in the free senior high school prgramme.

Prof. Boadi added that Mr Mahama will collapse it if he gets the opportunity. To that end, he called on Ghanaians to vote for the presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Dr Mahamudu Bawumia who he said would protect and improve the implementation of the programme.

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