THERE IS NO NEED TO CHARGE A PESEWA: THE FREE SHS POLICY IS SUSTAINABLE THROUGH INNOVATIVE FUNDING MECHANISMS
Author(s): Dr. Clement Adamba, Dr. Innocent Agbelie, Dr. Martin W. Agyekum. DR. Freda Osei SefaThe Free Senior High School (FSHS) policy, introduced in 2017, has increased enrolment, reduced dropouts, and alleviated financial burdens on families, contributing to poverty reduction. Despite its success, funding relies heavily on petroleum revenues, with allocations rising from GH₵400 million in 2017 to GH₵2.96 billion in 2023. Challenges such as food shortages, overcrowding, and high student-teacher ratios persist, sparking calls for review. LECERP maintains the policy should remain unchanged, advocating for innovative funding solutions including rebranding the COVID-19 Levy, establishing an FSHS Fund, diversifying natural resource revenues, and ensuring transparency through an independent committee to sustain equitable access. Read more: https://ugedugh-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/lecerp_ug_edu_gh/EUeayoEz0NxJq268WZOz9CEB-MT8ziZztYItPkKALU1-mQ?e=RXN1uz