Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin is open for a review of the implementation of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy by calling for support from other stakeholders.
He says rather than the government bearing the entire cost for the tuition, support from corporate Ghana can be solicited as part of their social responsibilities to come to the aid of the government.
Speaking on TV3’s New Day with Berla Mundi Thursday, February 29, 2024, the legislator emphasised the need to reach out to the upper class in society to extend support to their alma maters, to help relieve the burden on the government.
“I think that we should also appeal to civil society and the hubs in society, the upper class, to support their alma mater, to support government, to partner government. That patriotic call should sincerely be made to cooperate Ghana as part of its CSR to come to the aid of government in doing this,” he suggested.
Akufo-Addo’s Free SHS a catastrophe, meaningless slogan – Gov’t told
According to the Effutu Member of Parliament, resource allocation should also be prioritised to ensure both teachers and students have conducive environment for effective teaching and learning.
“I think that the focus should be on allocation of resources, facilities to the schools so that the teachers would have a conducive environment to teach, the children will feel more comfortable,” he indicated.
His call was in response to those calling for a complete review of the policy, to which he said “to me, that can be the direction, but a complete u-turn, I will not support that.”
Meanwhile, he said the cost borne by parents in catering for their wards does not make the Free SHS policy a bad one, pointing out how the tuition catered for by government has subdued the financial pressure on parents, especially for Day students who do not have to incur much expenses.
“No matter how much parents are spending now, it will not be better than having to pay fees. Because some are doing day schools and they are not paying anything. Parents may be spending on their children but they are still better than having to pay school fees,” he explained.
District level elections: Afenyo-Markin denies electoral violence allegations by NDC
