Education think tank Africa Education Watch (EduWatch) has called on Parliament to delay the introduction of the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) Bill until com hiprehensive consultations are held with key stakeholders.
The organization expressed concern over the government’s plan to present the Bill in Parliament on December 16, stating that the process lacks the necessary stakeholder engagement.
In a statement issued on December 13, EduWatch emphasized the importance of inclusivity and transparency in formulating policies that affect Ghana’s education system.Tourism packages
The group 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.
EduWatch believes such consultations are vital for addressing potential gaps in the policy and fostering national support for the Free SHS initiative.
“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.”
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.
