President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has suggested that families who can afford private school tuition should consider sending their children to these institutions, rather than relying on the Free Senior High School (FSHS) policy.
This response addresses concerns about the financial burden the policy places on the national budget.
Yaw Acheampong Boafo, President of the Ghana Bar Association, had previously called for a reevaluation of the Free SHS policy, recommending that wealthier families contribute by paying school fees, thereby freeing up resources for less privileged students.
At the 2024/2025 Annual General Conference of the Ghana Bar Association in Kumasi, President Akufo-Addo defended the Free SHS policy, emphasizing that taxpayer-funded public schools should remain accessible to those who cannot afford private education.
“Affluent individuals who can pay for their children’s education should choose private schools. Public schools, funded by taxpayers, must be available to those who cannot otherwise afford secondary education,” he stated.
He highlighted the policy’s success, noting that the number of students accessing secondary education has doubled since its implementation. Over 5.7 million people have benefited from the policy, and its long-term benefits will significantly surpass the concerns of the few who can afford alternative education options.
