Former Deputy Minister Vows to Resist Changes to modify Free SHS
Former Deputy Minister of Education, Rev John Ntim Fordjour, has declared his firm opposition to any attempt by the John Dramani Mahama government to modify Ghana’s Free SHS program.
Speaking on ongoing discussions at the National Education Forum, Fordjour claimed the government is considering policies that could restrict access to Free SHS, including reintroducing a cut-off point for admission.
“The two or three specific predictions I made before the education forum started are playing out. And I, Ntim Fordjour, will resist any attempt to mutilate Free SHS,” he stated.
Concerns Over Cut-Off Points for Free SHS
Fordjour emphasized that one of the key proposals emerging from the forum is the reintroduction of a cut-off point, which would limit the number of students eligible for Free SHS.
“I have engaged and debated with Kofi Asare, one of the committee members of the education forum. All they are saying is that they are bringing a cut-off (point),” he said.
This move, he argues, contradicts the essence of Free SHS, which was introduced to ensure that every Ghanaian child, regardless of academic performance, has access to secondary education.
National Education Forum: Addressing Free SHS Sustainability
The National Education Forum, launched by President John Dramani Mahama, aims to address critical issues within Ghana’s education system.
Running from February 18 to February 28, 2025, under the theme “Transforming Education for a Sustainable Future,” the forum seeks to balance accessibility with quality and long-term sustainability.
One of its core objectives is evaluating the sustainability of the Free SHS program, ensuring quality education without overburdening the national budget. Discussions also include teacher training, curriculum development, and broader educational reforms.
While some stakeholders argue that reforms are necessary to maintain the program’s quality and financial viability, critics like Fordjour warn that any move to restrict access could undermine the fundamental purpose of Free SHS.
As the forum progresses, the debate over the future of Free SHS is expected to intensify, with both sides making strong arguments on how best to sustain and improve Ghana’s secondary education system.
SOURCE : DEW360.NET
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