Accra, Ghana: The Champions of Free Education, Africa (COFEA) has come forward in support of a review of the Government’s Free Senior High School (Free SHS) program, provided that it enhances rather than diminishes the initiative’s impact. The group emphasized that any review should positively contribute to the program’s accomplishments in enrollment and curriculum development.
According to Ghana News Agency, during a press briefing in Accra, Reverend Afreh Acheampong, Executive Secretary of COFEA, stated that reviews from the Government or any political entity should focus on improving the policy’s benefits, particularly for vulnerable students. He stressed that the goal should be to expand the program’s reach and effectiveness, not to limit or withdraw its offerings.
Rev. Acheampong also addressed senior high school heads, urging them to comply with the Ghana Education Service (GES) harmonised prospectus initiative. He believes that adherence to a standardized prospectus across schools will significantly benefit parents and students. This initiative, he explained, would eliminate the need for parents to wait for school-specific lists before purchasing necessary items for their children.
The Executive Secretary praised the GES for introducing the nationalized prospectus initiative, seeing it as a step towards enriching the Free SHS program. By ensuring that all required materials are provided and unnecessary fees are avoided, the initiative aims to prevent students from dropping out due to financial constraints.
COFEA’s stance highlights the importance of continuous improvement in educational policies to ensure they remain effective and inclusive, particularly for those most in need of support.