Otumfuo Osei Tutu II
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has called for a review of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy to allow those who can afford to pay for their wards’ education to do so.
He emphasised that while the programme is beneficial, its sustainability and effectiveness are being undermined by financial constraints and logistical challenges.
The Asantehene made the remarks during a courtesy call on him at the Manhyia Palace by the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu and the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene.
He noted the struggles of students in many villages who aspire to study Science but lack access to quality education. He urged the government to address these disparities and ensure that the system functions effectively for all.
He pointed out that several E-blocks and school infrastructure projects remain unfinished, and many schools lack essential facilities such as dormitories, science laboratories, and ICT labs.
The inadequate availability of these resources, he noted, forces students to live in overcrowded rooms and rely on Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) to fund essential school needs like buses and learning materials.
“Many Senior High Schools are grappling with a severe shortage of dormitory facilities, forcing students to squeeze into overcrowded rooms, sometimes with four or five sharing a space meant for fewer occupants. This situation is far from ideal for a conducive learning environment.
“Additionally, several schools lack essential infrastructure, including fully equipped science laboratories and ICT labs, which are critical for a well-rounded education. Rather than the government addressing these gaps, it is often the Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) that take up the responsibility, mobilising funds to purchase school buses and other essential resources,” he emphasised.
Otumfuo said food shortages in some SHSs have further exacerbated the challenges, leading to a situation where students are sent home due to a lack of meals.
“Food shortages in some SHSs further compound the challenges, with students struggling to get adequate meals. This pressing issue demands urgent attention to ensure that students can focus on their studies without the burden of hunger or inadequate resources,” he stated.
According to the Asantehene, this undermines the essence of the Free SHS initiative, as students should be able to remain in school continuously without worrying about food supply.
“The Free Senior High School programme we’re rolling out is undoubtedly a significant initiative, but its effectiveness must be critically assessed. If we take a step back and realise that students are sent home due to food shortages, then the programme’s purpose is defeated. Some students attend school for just three days before being sent back home, trapped in a frustrating cycle that disrupts their education. We must implement the policy properly, ensuring that once students report to school, they remain there with adequate meals and the necessary support to focus on their studies,” the King intimated.
To ensure the sustainability of the policy, Otumfuo proposed a system where financially capable parents contribute to their children’s education while government resources are directed toward supporting students from less privileged backgrounds.
He referenced past initiatives such as the Cocoa Scholarship, which ensured that students in need were identified and supported while those who could afford it paid their way.
The Asantehene expressed confidence in the Minister of Education’s ability to bring about positive changes, citing his previous experience at the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Communication. He encouraged the minister to maintain his humility and approach the task methodically to ensure lasting improvements in Ghana’s education sector.
By Ernest Kofi Adu