Following the launch of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) 2024 manifesto on August 19, 2024, educationist Nii Armah Addy has criticized the flagbearer’s plans to improve the Free SHS policy, arguing that crucial quality aspects of the policy have been overlooked.
In an interview with Univers News, Nii Armah Addy expressed disappointment that discussions about enhancing the Free SHS policy have come so late, attributing this delay to the politicization of the policy. He emphasized the need for thorough situational analysis to address quality concerns in the Free SHS implementation.
“It’s rather unfortunate that we’re hearing this enhancement this late, particularly from governments because, I mean, the need to enhance, the need to improve was long trumpeted when review became cancellation for political reasons”
“We need a proper situational analysis. Since the introduction of Free SHS in 2017, there has been no comprehensive assessment of its impact beyond enrollment numbers. Quality issues, such as inadequate material and human resources, remain unaddressed. Many e-blocks are still incomplete, and textbooks are scarce. The limited distribution of tablets has not solved the problem. Without proper resources, achieving quality education is challenging.”
Mr. Addy also critiqued Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s proposal for a free scholarship scheme for students with disabilities, suggesting it falls short compared to the NDC’s plan for free first-year tertiary education for all students.
“Compared to the NDC, which talks about free first-year entry, look at the number of students who go into first-year, and compare to the students with disabilities, I mean, you are talking about a very small number, while the NDC’s proposal encompasses all. They are taking out just the students with disabilities, which is less than 2% So, if it’s really determined for students with disabilities, Then, I mean, they really would have to expand it”
The NPP’s 2024 manifesto, led by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, aims to improve the Free SHS policy and introduce free scholarships for persons with disabilities, among other initiatives.
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Story by: Vanessa Nyasi Mensah| universnews.ug.edu.gh
