The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has described government’s flagship Free SHS Senior High School (SHS) programme as poorly targeted.
The Fund made this observation in its latest country report on Ghana, whose request for a $3 billion bailout it recently approved.
According to the report, the Free SHS programme “which covers the full cost of secondary education, has helped increase enrollment but is poorly targeted.”
The IMF also disclosed that Ghana spends close to 4% of its GDP on education with good results in terms of enrollment but poor learning outcomes.
Key identified areas by the IMF which need potential improvement in education spending include strengthening primary education resources, better teacher training, and stronger performance-based funding practices.
JoyNews’ checks reveal the Free SHS programme has enjoyed a budgetary allocation of more than GH¢11.3 billion since 2019.
In the 2023 budget government demonstrated its commitment stating that the implementation of the Free SHS Programme remained unwavering.
It also mentioned that the “total number of beneficiaries currently stands at 1.3 million students for the 2021/22 academic year” and this year, “government will continue with the implementation of the Free SHS Programme and continue to facilitate access to various educational items.”
Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo who spoke at a rally organised by the New Patriotic Party ahead of a bye-election in Kumawu on May 23, said President Mahama has been inconsistent in his position on the free SHS policy.
According to him, the NDC flagbearer has now shifted his argument from cancelling the program to expanding it to include private second-cycle schools.
The inconsistencies, he said, do not make former President Mahama trustworthy.
In July 2022, Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta said a review of the Free Senior High School policy remains a constant possibility.
He explained that the Education Ministry continues to look at the policy with the aim of understanding how parents can be included in a manner that is not coercive.
“Review is constantly a possibility on the table. And it’s just to make sure that the appropriate education is given and that wastage is eliminated and it goes to give us value for money,” Mr. Ofori-Atta told Joy Business’ George Wiafe in an interview.
Latest Stories
-
W/R: Ambulance Service receives over 1,800 calls in a year, laments challenges in responding
28 minutes -
Ablakwa commends diplomats for historic attendance at Mahama’s swearing-in
41 minutes -
Treat Ghanaian visa applicants with dignity and respect – Ablakwa to Diplomatic Missions
46 minutes -
W/Region Police command lauds improved security with only 13 robbery cases in 2024
52 minutes -
‘Mahama lied to Ghanaians’ – Kabiru Tiah challenges claim on Sinking Fund balance
1 hour -
Economy worse than Mahama presented, details will be revealed in budget – Dep. Finance Minister nominee
2 hours -
Isaac Adongo breaks silence on ministerial ‘snub’
2 hours -
I am not an economist – Isaac Adongo clarifies appointment to BoG board
3 hours -
One student arrested over tragic killing of KNUST student
3 hours -
Teachers in rural areas to receive 20% allowance – Mahama
3 hours -
Concerned Farmers Assoc. calls for greater inclusion in state functions and decision-making
3 hours -
Youth Bridge Foundation calls for inclusion of Minister of Youth Development in cabinet
3 hours -
‘We’ll introduce short military training for NSS personnel’ – President Mahama
3 hours -
Woman arrested for biting customer’s testicles over 20 pesewas
4 hours -
Assessing economy’s performance based on debts is intellectual dishonesty – Amin tells Mahama
4 hours