The 7-year portrait of FSHS Policy as an enabler for educational quality & social

In recent years, Ghana has taken significant strides towards fostering educational equality and social justice by implementing a policy that resonates with both economic empowerment and educational inclusivity.

The introduction of Free Senior High School (SHS) education represents a constitutive initiative that not only empowers the youth but also lays the foundation for a more just and equitable society.

This brings to the fore the need to ascertain the multifaceted impact of Free SHS education as a powerful enabler for educational equality and social justice within the context of Ghana’s evolving economy.

In 2017, the Ghanaian government, under the leadership of President Nana Akufo-Addo, launched the Free SHS policy, aiming to eliminate financial barriers to second cycle education.

Quality education

The initiative sought to ensure that every Ghanaian child, regardless of socio-economic background, could access quality education.

This bold step marked a paradigm shift in the country’s approach to education and has had far-reaching implications for educational equality and social justice.

Free SHS education serves as a catalyst for economic empowerment, breaking the cycle of poverty that often restricts access to education. By eliminating the financial burden associated with secondary schooling, the policy opens doors for countless young Ghanaians who might otherwise have been left behind.

As education becomes more accessible, the workforce is equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute meaningfully to the country’s economic growth.

One of the primary pillars of educational equality and social justice is the reduction of inequality. Free SHS education addresses this by providing equal opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds.

It levels the playing field, ensuring that talent and potential are the primary determinants of success, rather than financial capabilities. As students from all walks of life share the same classrooms, friendships blossom, fostering a sense of unity and shared destiny.

Access to education is a powerful driver of social mobility. Thus, Free SHS education acts as a vehicle for upward social mobility, enabling students to aspire to careers and opportunities that were previously beyond their reach.

By equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed for the job market, the policy contributes to a more dynamic and socially mobile society, where individuals can rise above their circumstances through education.
In equal measure, education has the potential to break down gender barriers, and Free SHS education plays a pivotal role in addressing gender disparities.

By making education freely available to all, regardless of gender, the policy promotes gender equality, empowering young women to pursue their academic and professional aspirations. This, in turn, fosters a more inclusive and just society that values the contributions of all its members.

Economy backbone

An educated workforce is the backbone of economic development. Free SHS education not only increases access to education but also ensures that students are equipped with the skills demanded by a rapidly sprouting economy.

This alignment between education and the needs of the job market enhances the country’s human capital, making Ghana globally competitive and fostering economic sustainability. While the Free SHS policy has made remarkable strides, challenges persist.

Overcrowded classrooms, resource constraints, and the need for continuous improvement in educational quality are areas that require ongoing attention. However, these challenges present opportunities for the government and stakeholders to collaborate on refining and expanding the policy to ensure its long-term success.

The writer is a lecturer with the Department of Integrated Social Science at the University of Media, Arts and Communication- Institute of Journalism (UniMac-IJ).

Read Full Story