Remodel Free SHS to sustain program – Rtd. Supreme Court Justice

Retired Supreme Court Judge, Justice Jones Dotse, has called for a restructuring of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy to ensure its long-term sustainability and reduce the financial strain on government.

He described the policy as one of the most impactful social initiatives since Ghana’s Fourth Republic but warned that its current form may become unsustainable as enrolment rises and the economy faces fiscal challenges.

“The introduction of the Free SHS is undoubtedly one of the best social intervention programs we have had in the Fourth Republic,” he said. “But looking at our numbers, with the population growth and our economic growth, I don’t think it is sustainable in the long run. So, stakeholders should start thinking about remodelling it.”
Justice Dotse made these remarks during the 72nd anniversary celebration of Kpando Senior High School in the Volta Region.

He suggested that authorities consider identifying a well-resourced school in each enclave to operate a fee-paying boarding system, while the remaining schools in the same area could run as day schools under the Free SHS. This, he said, would balance access and sustainability.

He further proposed that the government provide a hot afternoon meal for day students to maintain nutrition while reducing the overall cost of implementation.

“You eat in the morning, you go to school, you will have a hot meal in the afternoon, you continue up to 2 or 3, you break. Then the dormitories can be converted into classrooms because there is no boarding. Then students from that locality will go there,” he explained.

Volta Regional Director of Education, Francis Agbemadi, also urged teachers to adopt innovative teaching methods that promote critical thinking, independence, and self-reliance among students.

He called for stronger collaboration between parents and teachers to shape disciplined and responsible learners.

“Let us strengthen the partnership between home and school, as it is the foundation of lasting excellence,” he said.

Kpando SHS Headmaster, Charles Evans Apraku, praised the school’s consistent 95 percent pass rate in recent WASSCE results but appealed for infrastructural support to address classroom and accommodation challenges.