Free SHS not in crisis but “firmly on course” — Iddrisu hits back at Bawumia

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has firmly rejected claims made by New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate Dr Mahamudu Bawumia regarding the setbacks of the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) program under the current National Democratic Congress (NDC) government. Dr Bawumia, during the NPP's National Delegates Conference in Kumasi, criticized the implementation of the program, stating it had worsened since the NDC took office.

However, Mr Iddrisu disputed these assertions, asserting that the government had taken steps to address issues impacting the program and enhance its operations.

Mr Iddrisu clarified that certain challenges with Free SHS were inherited from the previous administration, urging Dr Bawumia to revisit his claims. He also dismissed allegations that students were not receiving sufficient meals, stating that the government had altered the funding mechanism to provide adequate meals through the uncapping of the GETFund.

This adjustment, according to Mr Iddrisu, has ensured consistent food supply to senior high schools nationwide, a stark contrast to the situation during the NPP's eight-year rule.

Furthermore, Mr Iddrisu refuted Dr Bawumia's assertion that the NPP introduced free tuition under Free SHS. He emphasized that tuition has been free at all educational levels in Ghana since independence, challenging the accuracy of Dr Bawumia's claim. The Education Minister concluded by affirming the government's dedication to improving Free SHS's implementation and tackling the difficulties faced by students and schools.