Free SHS: Akufo-Addo is committed to its implementation and hence won’t cancel it – Dr. Yaw Adutwum

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is dedicated to the implementation of the free Senior High School (SHS) initiative, according to Minister of Education Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum.

He claimed that by repealing the policy, the chance that the program has provided to underprivileged children in Ghana will not be taken away from them.

“When we talk about free senior high school, some of us who have been privileged, we look at it through different lenses. When you go to my villages in Bosomtwe, look at the opportunity this has presented to them.

“They are sitting on edge thinking the opportunity is going to be taken away away from them. I want to assure the people of this country that their opportunity will not be taken away from them, the president is fully committed to the implementation of of free SHS,” the Bosomtwe lawmaker told Alfred Ocansey on the Ghana Tonight show on TV3 Wednesday August 17.

The government has been requested to review the policy by some groups.

For instance, the Presbyterian Church of Ghana urged the government to cover some of the expenses because “a number” of parents were prepared and eager to support their children’s education.

Despite applauding President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for his determination to uphold the Programme despite an impending bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Church claimed it is obvious there are enormous budget deficits, making it difficult for government to meet all Programme requirements.

“Your Excellency, the Presbyterian Church of Ghana is of the strong opinion that the state can shed off some of these costs for those who are capable of bearing them to do so because, there are several parents who are capable and willing to contribute to the education of their children.”

This was contained in a communique issued after the 22nd General Assembly of the Church.

The 22nd General Assembly was held between Wednesday, August 10 and Sunday, August 14 on the theme: ‘Christ in you, the Hope of Glory’.

Corruption, economic hardship, perceived injustice in the courts, and other perceived or actual inadequacies in the operation of the state were among the concerns highlighted by the Church.

It was gushing with appreciation for the government’s implementation of the Free SHS and other pro-poor policies.

“For the government to have sacrificed many developmental needs to ensure that every child, without regard to economic background, is able to access secondary education is indeed laudable.”

It assured of its commitment to the development of the country.

“The Presbyterian Church of Ghana is committed to contributing its quota to the development of the nation,” the General Assembly assured.

“We resolve to cooperate with the state in achieving the common aspirations of our people.

“We pledge our holistic support for any noble effort geared towards promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the country.”