Child Rights International (CRI) has firmly opposed proposals requiring parents to cover the cost of feeding students under Ghana’s Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy.
In a statement issued on January 11, 2025, the organization emphasized the importance of preserving the Free SHS program, which it described as a transformative initiative that has opened educational opportunities for many Ghanaian children since its inception in 2017.
CRI expressed concern that placing the burden of feeding and other necessities on parents would undermine the core objective of the Free SHS policy. The initiative was designed to eliminate financial barriers and ensure that all children, regardless of their economic background, can access education.
Since its launch, Free SHS has covered tuition, feeding, accommodation, and other essential costs, benefiting millions of students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds and rural areas. The policy has contributed to increased enrollment, lower dropout rates, and improved literacy nationwide.
Despite its successes, Free SHS has encountered challenges, including overcrowded classrooms, delays in funding, and issues related to feeding, which have raised concerns about its long-term sustainability.
Nevertheless, CRI maintains that any reforms should address these issues without undermining the benefits that make education accessible to all. The organization called on stakeholders to safeguard the program’s objectives and ensure that no child is excluded.
