Let the Rich Take their Wards to Private SHS; Akufo-Addo to FSHS Critics

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has for the umpteenth time stood against calls to review the Free Senior High School (FSHS) policy of his government, urging persons with the means to opt for private second cycle institutions for their wards.

This is in a firm resistance to calls to review the policy to cover only the underprivileged.

The recent call came from the National President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), Yaw Acheampong Boafo at the 204/25 Conference of held in Kumasi on September 9, 2024.

The President speaking at the event as the Guest of Honour did not mince words in expressing his disagreement and opposition to the call.

He said, “People who can afford to pay fees for the education of their wards should send them to fee-paying private schools. Public schools, that is schools funded by the taxpayer, should be free to all who would otherwise be unable to pay for their education.”

He noted that the significance of the policy is evident in the number of enrollment it has attracted into second cycle institutions.

“That is why the number of pupils who have access through such education has doubled since the introduction of the Free SHS policy. Over 5.7 million persons have benefitted from the policy since its inception.”

He believes the importance of the flat implementation of the policy would be realised in due course.

“The following impact of this dramatic development will be felt in due course and will far outweigh the small number of privileged parents who can afford to pay for the education of their wards.”