90,000 Teenagers Benefit from Free SHS

Finance minister, Ken Ofori- Atta has disclosed how the government has eased the burden of thousands of Ghanaians with the Free Senior High School policy.

According to him, the policy, after the government came to power has provided opportunities for over 90,000 teenagers to access high school education and improve their future prospects.

The minister revealed this yesterday, at the Mid-Year budget presentation in parliament.

“This major flagship program has saved parents a minimum of GHc3,000 and GHc1,950 per student per academic year for boarding and day students respectively.”

He further explained that the government also increased the school feeding programme from 1.6 million to 2.1 million children, increasing the amount spent by on each child by 25%.

Shift System

He noted that the government is considering reintroducing the shift system under the free Senior High School policy.

Siaka Stevens, Chairman of Education Committee as well as the Member of Parliament for Jaman North, the motive behind this initiative is to help students get the best out of instructional hours.

Concerning the congestion in our various Senior High Schools.

“GES is thinking of probably introducing two systems… pupils should go to school two times a day; morning session and afternoon session. Probably this can help us.” He said

The Member of Parliament also made some reference to the 2018 WAEC results suggesting it is not the best following Mathematics and English falling before the 2017 standards

He advised teachers and heads of schools to take reports from Chief Examiners seriously so they can improve upon their teaching method.

“I’m happy the GES is taking the initiative by changing the entire curriculum, so that that will probably bring some improvement” He further added.

By: Pamela Adoley Allotey