EduWatch calls on Parliament to delay introduction of Free SHS bill drafted by MoE

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.

“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.