Education is an indispensable aspect of capacity development and nation-building. However, the education system in Ghana has experienced various transmogrification over the years. Currently, the information gathered from observation of the informed implementation of free Senior High School Education (SHS), and its current status, creates a concern for review despite the merits.

It is factual to appreciate that Free SHS education in Ghana has significantly increased access to secondary education for many students, particularly those from less privileged socio-economic backgrounds. It eliminates financial barriers that previously prevented many students from pursuing Secondary education and promotes equity by providing equal educational opportunities to all students, regardless of their socioeconomic background. This helps reduce the education gap between students from different economic strata, leading to a more inclusive and fair education system. This led to a decrease in dropout rates at the secondary level due to the fact that Students who might have discontinued their education due to financial constraints can now complete their studies, leading to improved educational attainment. According to Statista Data, gross enrollment in secondary schools in Ghana in 2013 was 67.76% whilst in 2014 the enrollment decreased to 64.06%. Contrary, 2018 experienced a gross increment of 71.32% and 77.67% in 2020. This achievement cannot be dissociated from the Free SHS policy.

However, the Implementation of free SHS education accompanied by the rapid expansion of enrollment has placed a significant strain on the existing school infrastructures and financial resources of the Ghanaian government. This has substantial budgetary challenges in other sectors since it becomes the sole responsibility of the government to finance the secondary school from the already scarce resources the government is battling with to resolve the economic challenges of other sectors. Continuously, funding the program, ensuring quality standards are met, and addressing ongoing resource and infrastructure needs require careful planning and financial commitment. Hence, maintaining the long-term sustainability of free SHS education can be a challenge. Already at its prime stage, it has been established in Parliament that the government spent a total of GHC5.12 billion for the implementation of the free senior high school (SHS) programme between 2017 and 2021, according to the Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum.

Additionally, it is therefore explicit to acknowledge the theory of "Survival of the Fittest" at play, as a result of accommodation struggle facilitated by the increased number of students and overcrowding in the public secondary schools. This aforementioned forced the government to initiate the dual tract Academic system for SHS, which in itself is a challenge of proliferation to academic failure of future generations considering its operationalization. With this, there is a likelihood of a strong negative correlation effect on the student-teacher ratio. Hence, the effect on the quality of education could have a compounding effect on the human capital development of current and future generations if the government failed to address the challenges.

Hypothetically, the demand for qualified teachers to meet the increased enrollment outpaced the supply in some areas. Consequently, it will be difficult to decline the epistemology of Teacher shortages and the need for adequate training and professional development as well as how the former is currently affecting the quality of tuition and student learning outcomes. While free SHS education aims to provide equal opportunities, there may still be disparities in the quality of education across schools. Some schools, particularly in rural areas, may face challenges in delivering the same level of educational resources and infrastructure as their urban counterparts due to infrastructure deficit, teachers' and unavailability of learning resources and technology among others.

It is crucial to implement policies aimed at bridging the gap efficaciously to ensure equal educational opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their location. This will enhance Human Capital development through equal access to secondary education, which will serve as the foundation for the development of a highly skilled workforce. This, in turn, can positively impact the country's economic growth and development. Notwithstanding, it is equally important to depoliticize national developmental policies especially education which is not only the "key" but also the "savior" to national development, for critical and constructive monitoring, evaluation, and adjustments to address challenges and maximize the benefits.

Author: Stephen Dansu
Head of Research, ILAPI

References Sasu, D. D., 2023. Gross Secondary School Enrollment Ratio in Ghana 2011-2020; UNESCO Institute for Statistics. Statista
https://www.oecd.org/education/school/50293148.pdf
https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/politics/gh-5-12bn-spent-on-free-shs- minister.html#:~:text=THE%20government%20expended%20a%20total,Osei%20Adutwum%2C%20has%20told%20Parliament
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