Africa Education Watch (EduWatch) has called on Parliament to delay the introduction of the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) Bill until comprehensive consultations are held with relevant stakeholders in the education sector.
The education think tank expressed concern over the government’s plan to present the Free Senior High School Bill 2024 in Parliament on December 16, stating that the process lacks the necessary stakeholder engagement.
In a statement sighted by GhanaEducation.org, Africa Education Watch (EduWatch) emphasized the importance of inclusivity and transparency in formulating policies that affect Ghana’s education system.
It has urged the Education Minister, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, to facilitate discussions with stakeholders, including education experts, civil society organizations, and parent-teacher associations, to ensure that the Bill reflects a broad consensus.
Registration Open
2026 BECE HOME MOCK
Professional Assessment from the Comfort of Your Home
Prepare your ward for the 2026 BECE with our specialized Home Mock series. Our marking and grading follow strict WAEC standards to ensure your child is ready for the real deal.
| ✅ Standard Questions based on the NACCA Curriculum. |
| ✅ Detailed Marking with examiner comments. |
| ✅ Result Analysis to identify weak areas. |
Secure Your Child's Future Today!
“We call on Parliament to defer deliberations on the Bill until consultations are held. In the spirit of inclusive policy governance, we urge the Minister of Education to convene stakeholder consultative meetings and engage education Civil Society Organisations, Development Partners, parents, and teachers, on the Bill,” EduWatch said in the statement.
In a related development, teacher unions have also called for the suspension of the Free Senior High School Bill for a thorough review and proper consultation before any further action is taken on the controversial bill.
The unions say a rush in the introduction of the Bill by Parliament could undermine the quality of education and jeopardize the long-term sustainability of the Free SHS policy, which has been a major initiative of the current government.
Addressing a section of the media ahead of the parliamentary sitting, the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) President Angel Carbonu stressed that the bill, in its current form, could lead to unforeseen consequences for the future of education in the country.
Meanwhile, the Free Senior High School Bill, 2024, drafted by the Ministry of Education (MoE), is to give legal backing to the provision of free and compulsory education at the Senior High School level.
Ghana Education News Editorial Team
Research • Journalism • Policy Analysis
The Ghana Education News Editorial Team is a specialized group of education researchers, journalists, and policy analysts dedicated to providing high-fidelity reports on the Ghanaian academic landscape. With over a decade of combined experience, our team serves as a primary bridge between official bodies like the GES and WAEC and the students, parents, and educators they serve.
Our Expertise & Mission
- National Examination Prep: Verified BECE/WASSCE trial questions and examiner reports.
- Policy Analysis: Breakdowns of GES recruitment, promotions, and payroll.
- Educational Resources: Step-by-step guides for university admissions and scholarships.
Have a story or want to advertise?
WhatsApp: 0550360658 | Email: stories@ghanaeducation.org
Related
