Child Rights International has strongly condemned proposals to transfer the cost of feeding students under the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy to parents, warning that such measures would undermine the program’s core objectives.
In a statement dated January 11, 2025, the organization lauded the Free SHS initiative as a transformative policy that has improved access to education since its inception in 2017. It described the program as a critical tool for eliminating financial barriers and promoting inclusivity in Ghana’s education system.
The group categorically rejected suggestions that parents should shoulder the burden of feeding and providing essential supplies for their children in senior high schools. It argued that this would erode the program’s foundational principles, particularly its aim to make education accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic background.
The Free SHS policy, which covers tuition, feeding, accommodation, and other associated costs, has been a lifeline for millions of students, especially those from low-income families. Its impact has been most evident in rural areas, where financial constraints previously hindered access to secondary education. The policy has significantly increased enrollment, reduced dropout rates, and improved literacy levels nationwide.
Despite its successes, the program has faced challenges, including overcrowded classrooms, delays in funding disbursement, and logistical issues related to feeding. These challenges have fueled public debate about its sustainability.
Child Rights International emphasized that while reforms are necessary to address these issues, they must not compromise the program’s foundational benefits. The organization called on stakeholders to prioritize solutions that strengthen the Free SHS initiative and ensure its long-term success.
Read the statement below:
