Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, Leader of the Majority in Parliament has said “there is no turning back on the Free Senior High School” policy introduced by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.
“We can’t negotiate it,” the legislator said on TV3’s New Day with Berla Mundi Thursday, February 29, 2024.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin’s comments stem from the challenges confronted in the implementation of the policy with some asking the government to make a u-turn.
According to the lawmaker, the policy, despite its teeming challenges, has done a lot of good to persons who hitherto couldn’t have afforded to further their education after the basic level.
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He admonished the public to talk about the positives of the policy, emphasising his readiness to accept suggestions that will propel the idea than retreating on it.
“But I agree to suggestions that will aim at helping the system work. Not suggestions that would do a complete u-turn. Africa Education Watch has commended the Minister for the reforms he has made; for listening to them especially when it comes to the school placement system, all the reforms that have been introduced and the fact that the poor man’s son can now go to Mfantsipim. So those are the advantages, the fact that many more are getting access and we are getting very good results should not be discounted,” he maintained.
He further expressed his consent for a review by calling on corporate Ghana to assist the government implement the policy through their corporate social responsibilities, as well as calling on the upper class in society to support their alma maters to relieve both the government and parents of the challenges.
“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 stated.
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.
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.
