In the early days of the NDC government, discussions surrounding the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy sparked concerns. While the challenges associated with the policy's implementation are well-documented, particularly its impact on secondary education, recent developments have underscored the urgent need for effective management.

It is widely known that the previous NPP administration struggled to meet its financial commitments to the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS), leading to calls for postponing the reopening of secondary schools. However, the Ghana Education Service (GES) adhered to the original reopening schedule. In response, remarks such as “Parents should provide their wards with more food when reporting” and “Parents should be allowed to pay fees to support their wards' education” have emerged.

On the surface, these remarks appear to offer practical solutions to ease the financial strain of the Free SHS policy on the new government. They could also pave the way for future discussions on cost-sharing in secondary education. However, the NDC government faces a delicate balancing act.

The Free SHS policy enjoys broad public support, making any suggestion of scaling it back politically risky. At the same time, Ghana’s tight fiscal constraints, characterised by rising public debt and limited revenue generation, make maintaining the policy in its current form increasingly difficult.

This presents a dual challenge: addressing public expectations while ensuring the policy’s sustainability. The NDC must navigate these complexities carefully to avoid reinforcing perceptions formed during the last elections about their stance on the policy.

The financial challenges tied to the Free SHS policy call for both immediate and strategic solutions. In the short term, the government must urgently secure funding to sustain the programme in its existing form. Issues such as food shortages and overdue payments to CHASS should be treated as emergencies.

Establishing an ad hoc committee or swiftly appointing a Minister of Education (pending parliamentary approval) to provide leadership in resolving these matters is crucial. While the current administration did not create these challenges, it is in their best interest to address them promptly to prevent further disruptions to the academic calendar.

In the long term, systemic reforms and innovative funding strategies will be essential to ensure the policy’s viability. The government must approach this issue with tact and foresight, balancing immediate financial needs with the broader goal of maintaining equitable access to education.

The immediate step should be followed by the establishment of an education consultative committee that will be tasked with seeking views from Ghanaians on the future of this policy and, by extension, the educational system of Ghana. The financial strain imposed by the policy is evident. The funding shortfall has exacerbated infrastructure deficits in schools.

Increased enrolment under the policy has led to overcrowded classrooms, inadequate dormitories, and insufficient teaching materials. The introduction of the double-track system to manage overcrowding (a system where students attend school in alternating shifts) has been criticised for disrupting academic calendars and overburdening teachers.

While access to education has expanded under the Free SHS policy, quality concerns persist. Overcrowded classrooms and dormitories continue to deteriorate, further compromising the quality of education. Equity concerns have also emerged.

The universal nature of the policy means that wealthier families, who could afford to pay fees, benefit equally with those from less privileged backgrounds. Critics argue that this inefficiency undermines the policy’s potential to address socioeconomic disparities. Additionally, other sub-sectors within the education system have been neglected.

It is my considered opinion that these challenges should be transparently communicated to the public, supported by factual evidence, including video documentation where applicable, to encourage an informed and objective discussion about the future structure and direction of the policy.

This process must be free from propaganda or exaggeration. Such a genuine and balanced dialogue is essential for progressing to the next critical phase—developing a long-term, sustainable solution to address the policy's challenges effectively.

Several strategic options should be considered in the medium to long term. Maintaining the policy in its current form could help avoid political backlash but would require innovative funding mechanisms to address the financial and infrastructural gaps. Public-private partnerships, as implemented in Kenya to enhance school infrastructure, could serve as a model for Ghana.

Alternatively, the NDC could restructure the policy to target economically disadvantaged students. A means-tested approach, like South Africa’s, would focus resources on those who need them most, potentially freeing up funds to improve the quality of education. Another option is adopting a hybrid model that combines targeted subsidies with modest fees for non-core services, as seen in Malaysia. This model could offset costs without compromising access for underprivileged students.

Shifting the focus from universal access to improving education quality is also a viable strategy. Finland’s education model, which emphasises teacher quality and student-centred learning, offers valuable lessons for such an approach. There should also be efforts to achieve funding efficiency and explore innovative funding sources.

Creating a voluntary fund and encouraging contributions from the Ghanaian diaspora, like Nigeria’s diaspora bond initiative, could generate significant revenue. Introducing digital taxes on selected digital platforms and services, as Uganda has done, represents another potential avenue for raising funds.

Adjusting the Free SHS policy carries risks, particularly in terms of public perception. Any reduction in benefits could be viewed as a step backward. However, a well-communicated strategy emphasising efficiency, equity, and quality could mitigate political fallout and garner public support. Addressing the fiscal sustainability of the policy is critical to ensuring its long-term success and maintaining public trust. In the long term, the focus should be on adopting the community secondary school model, which is practised globally in countries that offer free secondary education.

The NDC’s dilemma regarding the Free SHS policy highlights the broader challenge of balancing social equity with fiscal responsibility. While the policy has expanded access to education, its sustainability in its current form is questionable given Ghana’s economic realities.

A nuanced approach that prioritises targeted interventions, quality improvements, and innovative funding mechanisms could provide a path forward. Drawing lessons from other countries and engaging stakeholders transparently will be essential for navigating this complex issue. Ultimately, the NDC’s ability to address the challenges of the Free SHS policy will depend on its commitment to aligning long-term national interests with the immediate needs of the populace.

Written by Peter Anti Partey, PhD Executive Director, IFEST_Ghana