Member of Parliament for Ketu North, Eric Edem Agbana, has reiterated that no parent will be made to pay fees under the Free Senior High School (FSHS) policy.
He says the president has affirmed that, despite suggestions from stakeholders like Otumfour Osie Tutu II that affluent parents should contribute, he is committed to resolving the funding challenges of the policy without compromising constitutional provisions.
“And I am happy to report that President Mahama and the Committee are firm and resolute in their stand that parents will not be allowed to pay for free SHS. Every child in senior high school will benefit from free SHS.”
Speaking on Woezor TV’s “The Dialogue Show” on Friday, March 21, 2025, Mr. Agbana emphasized that every child in Ghana has a constitutional right to benefit from the FSHS.
“Again, President Mahama is resolute and is firm that the decision to dedicate a reliable source of funding to free SHS is one that is committed to, and he will do that over and over again.
“We are also firm in our mind that as a government or as a political party, we must resolve the challenges that senior high school education is confronted with in this country.
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Mr. Agbana reaffirmed the significance of the FSHS policy, praising its role in expanding access to education.
He commended the NPP government for implementing the policy, which has enabled more students to pursue secondary education.
However, Agbana noted that the policy’s implementation was flawed, focusing solely on accessibility while neglecting quality.
He emphasized that the NPP government failed to provide adequate learning materials and infrastructure, compromising the quality of education.
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Agbana assured that the NDC will prioritize quality education, building upon the existing policy.
He highlighted the government’s decision to uncap the GETFund as evidence of their commitment to sustaining the FSHS and enhancing the education sector.
“Because you see, we don’t think, okay, we do not believe, we should take this position, that because it is free, it can be anyhow, it can be substandard, and people should not have the right to come in. Because when you do, they say, after all, you are not paying for anything. You must give the best, high standard to the future leaders.”
He added that the government’s strive to review the policy is to improve quality, accessibility, and STEM education.