The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has called for a review of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, stressing that the programme holds little significance if students are not adequately fed.
He urged the government to refine policies surrounding the initiative to improve its effectiveness.
Speaking during a courtesy call by the Minister of Education at the Manhyia Palace, Otumfuo suggested that the government reconsider the policy by allowing parents who are financially capable and willing to pay their children’s fees to do so.
He further proposed that scholarships be awarded to students who cannot afford their fees, similar to the system that existed in the past.
The Asantehene also emphasized the need for the government to address infrastructure challenges in Senior High Schools while ensuring the provision of essential educational materials to enhance teaching and learning.
He commended the government’s decision to hold a stakeholders’ dialogue on the education system, describing it as timely.
However, he stressed the need for a more comprehensive policy to address the challenges facing education in Ghana.
Additionally, Otumfuo urged the President to appoint competent individuals to University Councils to prevent political interference, which he warned could negatively impact the management of these institutions.
For his part, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu commended Asantehene for his wise counsel and assured him of the government commitment to implementation of education policies that will be in the interest of the country.
Source:www.kumasimail.com
