Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has affirmed the government’s dedication to maintaining consistent budgetary support for the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy to ensure its long-term viability.
The Minister made this commitment at a stakeholders’ forum in Sunyani, where education experts, policymakers, and school administrators convened to address challenges in providing quality secondary education.
Minister Iddrisu stressed that continuous financial support from the national budget is crucial to preserving the achievements of the government’s flagship education initiative.
“The Free SHS policy has revolutionized access to education, but its future relies on ongoing funding. We must prioritize budgetary allocations to ensure the program’s continued success,” he stated.
He also emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between schools, management, and parents to tackle moral decline and enhance academic performance. “Discipline and responsibility must be a collective effort. All stakeholders should play an active role in shaping well-rounded students,” he added.
The Acting Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Professor Ernest Kofi Davis, voiced concerns about the rising cases of violence and indiscipline in schools. He reiterated the GES’s commitment to the government’s “Review, Reflect, and Reset” agenda and called for immediate actions to restore discipline in schools.
“We cannot overlook the increasing incidents of misconduct in our schools. It is time for decisive action to protect the integrity of our educational institutions,” Prof. Davis stated.
Paul Adjei, Administrator of the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), suggested forming strategic partnerships with private enterprises, development partners, and philanthropic organizations to secure additional funding for second-cycle institutions.
“Public education requires collective effort. By partnering with the private sector and other stakeholders, we can mobilize the necessary resources to sustain and improve quality education nationwide,” Adjei emphasized.
The forum provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss practical solutions aimed at improving the delivery of secondary education in Ghana.
