Free Senior High School Programme Implementation in Ghana: An Assessment

Abstract

This study explored the benefits and the challenges in the implementation of the free senior high school programme in Ghana. The study adopted the multi-site exploratory case study using interviews and an observation checklist for the investigation. The sample was made up of 38 respondents selected through purposive sampling techniques across four SHSs in Greater Accra and Central Regions. The results indicate that the key benefit of the policy was the removal of cost barriers through the absorption of fees approved by the GES council. All recurrent fee items that relate to utilities, examination fees, library fees, practical fees, entertainment fees, science development and teacher motivation fees were absorbed by the Government. Another benefit of the free SHS was the feeding of Day students alongside boarding students in the schools. There were infrastructural challenges of the Free SHS programme that included; classroom blocks, dormitories, staff accommodation, libraries, science laboratories, computer laboratories Information and communication technology connectivity (ICT) and places of convenience. Teacher output, punctuality, effective supervision, time on task, and assessment of students were compromised. It was also revealed that the textbooks supplied were only core subjects which included English Language, Mathematics, Social Studies and Integrated Science and were delayed in supply. The study recommends that key stakeholders such as teacher unions, policy think tanks, civil society organizations, parents and other relevant stakeholders should be engaged by the Ministry of Education (MOE) in round table discussions to build national consensus, acceptance and public confidence in the policy. It is recommended that government should forge partnerships with parents, PTAs, old student associations, and religious bodies to raise funds to support infrastructure development for the SHS programme. An increase in the Government’s share of the oil revenue should be allocated to the Free SHS programme.