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
-
Licensed Gold Buyers charged to harness extended license transition deadline
4 minutes -
AngloGold Ashanti commissions GH₵1.8m soap factory in Obuasi
21 minutes -
GPL 2024/25: Nations FC host Samartex with league title insight
22 minutes -
Monetary Policy Committee of BoG maintains policy rate at 28%
31 minutes -
We’ll advise ourselves if gov’t continues to intimidate our members with security operatives – Nhyiaeso MP
38 minutes -
Former NPP Deputy National Youth Organiser eyes Women Organiser role
45 minutes -
Gyakie returns with ‘Sankofa,’ a stirring prelude to debut album After Midnight
50 minutes -
Breaking barriers and building networks: AT’s Chief Business Officer on gender equality in digital transformation
57 minutes -
ISRQ2025: Prospects International edges out Golden Angels School to reach semifinals
1 hour -
ECG rolls out real-time data system to boost power reliability in Ashanti Region
1 hour -
NDC displaying political witch-hunting, not enforcing the law – Ahiagbah on Adenta Kumi’s arrest
1 hour -
Useless Column: Oga landlord
1 hour -
Use AI responsibly to tackle journalism challenges – GJA Chairperson advises
1 hour -
GRIDCo schedules May 25 power outage in parts of Weija and Kasoa for critical maintenance
1 hour -
Sonnie Badu, Herty Corgie, others minister at Rev. Agormeda’s 50th birthday celebration
1 hour