The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has asked the government to cancel the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagship programme, Free SHS or review it if the problems still persist.
He suggested that the government should review the Free SHS policy and allow those who are capable of paying for their children expenses for the government to fund those who are brilliant but needy.
According to him, the free SHS is not necessary if the students are not fed or accommodated.
Speaking at Manhyia Palace during a visit by Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, Asantehene lamented that the students can not afford to experience inconsistent academic calendars and food shortage because of free SHS.
He suggested that there should be proper stakeholders consultations to address the challenges.
“Some students are not being fed, so all these things need to be addressed. We say Free SHS, yes the free SHS is going on but if it needs broader consultations to address its challenges let’s do it because the Free SHS is not necessary if the students are not fed and accommodated. The students can not go hungry and vacate after a few days in school so it is better we put appropriate measures in place to run it better.” Otumfuo lamented.
Asantehene also raised concerns over lack of Science laboratories, school buses in some schools which according to him does not enhance teaching and learning.
He stated that the government should pay good attention to these areas to promote quality education in the country.
“Science, technology, engineering and mathematics education is essential, everybody needs it, especially those in the rural areas. So it is necessary to cut government expenditures to find let us do it for it to be successful. There are not enough dormitories, and some of the students are complaining about accommodations. Some Senior High Schools even don’t have Science laboratory, ICT lab, school bus so PTA has to make contributions to support these schools.” He said.
Source: Elvisanokyenews.net