Gov’t Won’t Roll Back Free SHS, Other Flagship Programs – Ofori-Atta

Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta says all its flagship programs including the ambitious Free Senior High School (SHS) policy will continue to run regardless of the challenges confronting the country’s economy.

This is contrary to earlier suggestions by the Minister responsible for Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah that all 16 flagship programs of the government including the Free SHS were up for possible review after a recent cabinet meeting to proffer solutions to the economic hardships.

But speaking at a press briefing today, Thursday, March 24, the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta said there’s no such intention to review any of the government’s policies.

“Let me say that President Akufo-Addo has no absolute intention to roll back any major policy like the Free SHS. He sees education as the best and enabling force for sustainable economic growth, transformation, and social mobility, and we will do more to improve on it for it to serve more and better our children.”

Pressure is mounting on the Akufo-Addo government to review Free SHS policy in particular as it takes a huge chunk of revenue.

Stakeholders including the opposition NDC, have urged the government to take another look at the Free SHS program and take expenditure cuts among others to save the country money.

Other civil society organizations have also called for a review of the programme including suggestions that the programme is limited to persons who are genuinely poor and unable to fund their secondary education.

For instance, the Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission, Prof. Stephen Adei. Prof. Stephen Adei, explains that the GH¢7.6 billion expenditure on the programme over the past five years is taking a toll on Ghana’s economy.

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