THE SEMESTER AND DOUBLE TRACK SYSTEM IN SENIOR HIGH SCHOOLS IN GHANA: MY GENERAL AND COMPREHENSIVE OVERVIEW

 

INTRODUCTION:

As a teacher and a member of the educational sector, the matter I have tabled above is a matter that is so much dear to my heart. I know for a fact, that every passing government educational intervention is meant to better the educational system in Ghana.

From the colonial regime, passing through the era of Nkrumah to the current government of the fourth republic, our dear country has undergone a myriad of educational interventions. However, the introduction of the Free Education at the SHS level, otherwise known as the “Fee Free SHS” and the birth of the Semester and the Double Track System in the SHS seem paramount.

This is the reason why I wish to express my take and explore my unbiased view on the programme. I will do this under the following themes:

1. Constitutional matters
2. Population matters
3. Resource matters
4. Conclusion: The way forward

PART ONE: CONSTITUTIONAL MATTERS:

1. Constitutional mandate:

A constitution is a set of rules, which is meant to guide the general administration and governance of a country. According to the Ghana Constitution of 1992, Article 25 (1) (a) (b) state that:

25.

(1) All persons shall have the right to equal educational opportunities and facilities and with a view to achieving the full realisation of that right –

(a) basic education shall be free, compulsory and available to all;

(b) secondary education in its different forms, including technical and vocational education, shall be made generally available and accessible to all by every appropriate means, and in particular, by the progressive introduction of free education;

This indicates that the current government has not flouted, in any way, the constitution that gives it the authority and power to rule the people of Ghana. The constitution has clearly stipulated that, all persons shall have the right to equal educational opportunities. Moreover, secondary education shall be made generally available and accessible to all by every appropriate means…

The government has the mandate to ensure that every right as enshrined in the constitution is fully enjoyed by every citizen of the state. Therefore, it has to ensure that all barriers or impediments that may obstruct any of the citizens from enjoying such rights are fully and carefully curtailed.

Owing to this fact, the current government, in the implementation of the Fee Free SHS and the Double Track System, is only ensuring that every appropriate means is instituted to ensure that secondary education is generally available and accessible to all eligible or qualified BECE candidates duly placed by the CSSPS.

Check the statistics:

 

 

ENROLMENT TRENDS IN SHS:

Year	Total Registered	Number	No. Enrolled	NO. PLACED BUT	% PLACED BUT
	(BECE)	Placed		NOT ENROLLED	NOT ENROLLED
2013	391,032	352,202	261,598	90,604	25.7%
2014	422,946	386,412	273,152	113,260	29.3%
2015	440,469	415,012	299,649	115,363	27.8%
2016	461,009	420,135	308,799	111,336	26.5%
2017	468,060	424,224	361,771	62,453	14.7%

Credit: Page 3 of IMPLEMENTATION OF FREE SHS PROGRAMME PREPARATION FOR 2018/19 ACADEMIC YEAR

By Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh Hon. Minister for Education.

Per the table above, it is disturbing to note that several students (i.e. 90, 604 (2013), 113,260 (2014), 115,363 (2015), 111,336 (2016) and 62, 453 (2017) although eligible and placed by the CSSPS, could not be enrolled.

1. Approach to implementation:

Another constitutional matter worthy of mention is that, the constitution gave a guideline for the implementation of the Fee Free SHS.

Article 25(1)(b):

(b) secondary education in its different forms, including technical and vocational education, shall be made generally available and accessible to all by every appropriate means, and in particular, by the progressive introduction of free education;

The guideline is that, the introduction shall be progressive.

The Cambridge Dictionary defines the word ‘progressive’ as “Developing or happening gradually.”

The Oxford Dictionary also defines the word ‘progressive’ as “Happening or developing gradually or in stages”

Therefore, many citizens and critics expected the government to churn out this credible policy gradually and in stages. They candidly think that the implementation of both policies were in haste and so, missed the gradual and careful development of the concepts.

The gap in the constitution (I stand to be corrected) is that no timelines and deadlines were set for the full implementation of Fee Free SHS. This gap has laid the Fee Free SHS wide open and at the mercy of political powers in the country, particularly, the NDC and NPP.

Maybe, the reason for such haste is to score political points in the eyes of eligible voters during election eras.  Moreover, since the four-year term is too short to fulfil all their political campaign promises, they sometimes run through governmental policies carelessly. This usually cripples well-thought out policies clearly spelt out in laws and ends up ruining it entirely.

For example: Article 25(1)(a) states that:

(a) basic education shall be free, compulsory and available to all;

The Education Act (Act 778) 2(2) states:

Education at the basic level is free and compulsory

For this reason, the FCUBE (Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education) was introduced in 1995, which promised Free Compulsory Basic Education by 2005. Subsequently, the Capitation Grant Policy (2005) and the Ghana School Feeding Programme (2005) were implemented. However, up to date, government owes public basic schools capitation grant arrears and access has not been achieved in the Ghana School Feeding Programme.

What overwhelms me is the attempt to re-implement fee paying at the basic education, which is clearly against the 1992 constitution and the Education act, 2008, Act 778. Rather, promoting Fee Free SHS, which is not strictly binding on the government now.

My evidence is based on the report submitted by CODE, COMEU AND COHBS to the Director-General to legally charge fees at the basic school level at their meeting held on Monday,9^th July, 2018.

 One of their reasons is that the Capitation grant is inadequate to cater for their needs as well as delays in disbursement.

 I ask the following questions:

1. Wouldn’t the approval violate the 1992 constitution and the Education Act, Act 778?
2. Aren’t we prioritizing Fee Free SHS over Free Compulsory Universal Education?
3. Should our education system be at the mercy of political powers rather than our consented laws?
4. Finally, what can be done to ensure that all political parties in power implement critical constitutional demands according to strict dictates but not their discretion?

The report clearly shows that, the challenges bedevilling the basic level has not been cured, but the current government is in a haste to overlook these hurdles and focus all their attention on the Fee Free SHS.

The Akans say, “Se wo de wo ani abien hwe toa mu a, baako bo”

 

 

 

 

 

PART 2: POPULATION MATTERS:

The 2010 population of Ghana on the website of the Ghana Statistical Service is 24,658,823 (Census 2010). It based on this figure to project that by 2018, the figure would rise to 29,614,337. Currently, as stated by the Minister of Education, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, there are 1,116,495 SHS students in 696 public schools. This means that about 3.7% of our population is at the SHS level. Now, if you are to share the total number of SHS students evenly among the 696 public schools; then it means that 1,604 students should be in one school. However, this may not be possible because, some of the schools lack the capacity (space), infrastructure and teachers to cope with the situation.

To curb these challenges, the minister proposed some interventions:

1. Appeal to Development Partners for support
2. Partial Securitization of GET Fund Receivables for infrastructure development
3. Capping GET Fund at 25%
4. Double-track School Calendar

However, he felt that, the last option – the double track – would be the best option to cater for the capacity, infrastructure and teacher challenges.

The double track was chosen because of the following reasons:

A – Create room to accommodate increase in enrolment                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

B – Reduce class sizes

C – Increase contact hours

D – Increase the number of holidays

According to him, the double track is best to preserve the limited infrastructure in the various SHS.

Although, the minister and the current government are very optimistic about the double track, many citizens are very pessimistic. Their pessimism lies on the following issues:

1. Over-stretched or prolonged contact hours: (Minimum – 8 hours per day and maximum 9 hours per day). Previously, 6 hours (7am to 2 pm). Difference – 2 (minimum) and 3 (maximum) hours.
2. Increased vacation days: (From 84 days (12 weeks) to 112 days (16 weeks)
3. Teaching days are reduced from 180 days to 162 days (difference – 18days)
4. Number of days in boarding reduced from 265 days to 225 days (difference – 40 days)
5. The all year round school will burden the infrastructure the SHS.

PERSONAL ANALYSIS:

1. The double-track and the semester system are going to reduce school days per year (i.e.: 8 months to 7 months; 265 days to 255 days). This is very critical because the former three-term system provided a relaxed and comfortable duration to study. With the new system – semester system, the school days are reduced by 40 days. Therefore, teaching and learning would have to be rushed rather than relaxed, in order to make up for the lost 40 days. I guess that is why the contact hours have been stretched or prolonged from 7 hours to 8 and 9 hours However, I must say that, this will put much pressure on the students, who are going to do 8 to 9 hours a day and 40 to 45 periods per week.
2. The increase in the vacation days from 84 days (12 weeks) to 112 (16 weeks) may cause low performance at the SHS level. This is because; many students see vacation as a break and a period for relaxation and entertainment. My argument is that, for the tertiary level that practices the semester system, each semester is distinct with different courses mounted for each semester; and so students are not examined on the previous semesters and academic years. The SHS semester system is not like that, and so students are under pressure to pile up contents from previous semesters and academic years, and sit for an international external examination (WASSCE) at the end of their SHS education.
3. For the double-track in the first year, the second track that will later join the first track for the end of semester examination may be at the disadvantage, because their preparedness may be lacking or limited as compared to the first track that would already be in school.
4. However, with the new system, the population in the various SHS would be reduced, and so much capacity (space) would be gained; teacher to student ratio would be enhanced; cost would be reduced and well apportioned and infrastructure would be less burdened.

To conclude on the population matters, I appreciate the rapid interventions taken by the current government to solve the challenges in the Fee Free SHS.  I hope the system does not affect the pedagogical and academic work at the SHS level.

 

PART 3: RESOURCE MATTERS:

Economists say that resources are limited but human needs are limitless. Therefore, there is the need to manage the scarce resources appropriately by prioritizing our needs and wants; and fairly distributing them to appropriate sectors.

In order to distribute resources fairly, there is the need to do proper cost evaluation. The table below is an extract from the presentation by Hon. Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh (Minister of Education). The table has carefully analysed the additional cost to be incurred because of the excess enrolment (Gap) of 181,993.

ADDITIONAL COST DUE TO INCREASE IN ENROLMENT NUMBERS

According to the table, the grand total (overall) cost for the additional enrolment is 1,338,083,639. However, the double-track system is able to eliminate a total sum of 1,070,846,650 to cater for only the cost of hiring additional teachers – 8,872. The opportunity cost made will allow the nation much time to meet the other costs involved totalling 1,070,846,650. In this case, the nation will not rush through loan and donor deals that might cost the nation many dollars later like the Ameri deal. Moreover, procurement procedures would not be rushed because there would be much time for the procurement board to vet and approve tenders for the respective projects. So in these instances, the double track is a saviour but not a devil.

It will also give more room for the government to fund the Fee Free SHS because students in the double track would be catered for at different times. This means that fewer funds would be needed because of the division; rather than catering for the whole 472,730 at the same time.

Let us also be mindful of the fact that, according to the minister of finance in the 2017 and 2018 budgets. Some costs have already been incurred in order to better the Fee Free SHS.

96,413 mono desks, 32,171dinning hall furniture, 3,033 tables and chairs for teachers, 12,953 bunk beds, 4335 mattresses and 5135 computer lab. chairs.

They are even very optimistic about the fact that, if the Planting for Food and Jobs Project succeeds, they would have no challenge in feeding the SHS students.

Above all, this is investing in the future of the nation and giving all eligible students, as stipulated in the constitution, equal educational opportunities.

However, some obvious economic challenges cannot be overlooked:

1. There is too much burden on the merger revenues of the state. Indeed, the Minister of Finance is on record to have said and I quote, “…there must be changes in the way the policy is being administered in the future…You need to be able to get the data to then be discriminatory in how and who pays and who doesn’t pay”.

One can infer from his statement that the policy is placing very huge burden on the government. Therefore, moving forward, the policy must be discriminatory to allow those who can pay to pay; so that the government can focus his attention on those who cannot pay.

 

2. The Fee Free SHS is economically competing unfavourably with the FCUBE and its elements like the provision of teaching and learning materials, capitation grant and school feeding programme. Sadly, attention is shifting from Free Basic education to Free Secondary education. The nation must get its priorities right to sustain both prominent policies.

 

3. The Fee Free SHS indicates to me that, some people in the same bracket are marginalized. For example, the programme failed to include the informal sector like the artisans – beauticians, tailors, carpenters, etc – who are likely acquiring knowledge and skills, and are part of the human resource of the economy.

 

4. If routine maintenance and repairs are not made, then the pressure on infrastructure because of the all year school may collapse several of them. This will accrue additional cost to the nation. I must note that, Ghanaians are good at maintenance, considering how we are even treating our natural resources like our water bodies and mineral resources.

 

5. The cost of hiring extra teaching and non-teaching staff will also increase the wage bill. Already, government owes workers many arrears. The hiring of additional staff will also cause the government to build more bungalows. (I am not saying, they should not hire, but they should tread cautiously)

 

CONCLUSION: THE WAY FORWARD:

There must be broader consultation and more clarity on the policy. No one must be sidelined – especially, critics. Further assessments must be done to cut cost and ensure judicious use of resources.

The Basic education is suffering and needs a big push. Government must re-focus his attention on Basic education. No one must be sidelined – especially, the disabled.

To the citizens, we must not be mere spectators and commentators; but supporters to ensure the success of the policy. No one must be sidelined – especially, the opposition party.

The minister of Finance has provided a roadmap for the future. Let us consider it.

Above all, let us pray fervently for the LORD’s direction regarding this policy.

GOD BLESS OUR HOMELAND GHANA.

Compiled by Ernest Offei Sakyiama (Erofsa Writes)

12/08/2018.

INTRODUCTION:

As a teacher and a member of the educational sector, the matter I have tabled above is a matter that is so much dear to my heart. I know for a fact, that every passing government educational intervention is meant to better the educational system in Ghana.

From the colonial regime, passing through the era of Nkrumah to the current government of the fourth republic, our dear country has undergone a myriad of educational interventions. However, the introduction of the Free Education at the SHS level, otherwise known as the “Fee Free SHS” and the birth of the Semester and the Double Track System in the SHS seem paramount.

This is the reason why I wish to express my take and explore my unbiased view on the programme. I will do this under the following themes:

1. Constitutional matters
2. Population matters
3. Resource matters
4. Conclusion: The way forward

PART ONE: CONSTITUTIONAL MATTERS:

1. Constitutional mandate:

A constitution is a set of rules, which is meant to guide the general administration and governance of a country. According to the Ghana Constitution of 1992, Article 25 (1) (a) (b) state that:

25.

(1) All persons shall have the right to equal educational opportunities and facilities and with a view to achieving the full realisation of that right –

(a) basic education shall be free, compulsory and available to all;

(b) secondary education in its different forms, including technical and vocational education, shall be made generally available and accessible to all by every appropriate means, and in particular, by the progressive introduction of free education;

This indicates that the current government has not flouted, in any way, the constitution that gives it the authority and power to rule the people of Ghana. The constitution has clearly stipulated that, all persons shall have the right to equal educational opportunities. Moreover, secondary education shall be made generally available and accessible to all by every appropriate means…

The government has the mandate to ensure that every right as enshrined in the constitution is fully enjoyed by every citizen of the state. Therefore, it has to ensure that all barriers or impediments that may obstruct any of the citizens from enjoying such rights are fully and carefully curtailed.

Owing to this fact, the current government, in the implementation of the Fee Free SHS and the Double Track System, is only ensuring that every appropriate means is instituted to ensure that secondary education is generally available and accessible to all eligible or qualified BECE candidates duly placed by the CSSPS.

Check the statistics:

 

 

ENROLMENT TRENDS IN SHS:

Year	Total Registered	Number	No. Enrolled	NO. PLACED BUT	% PLACED BUT
	(BECE)	Placed		NOT ENROLLED	NOT ENROLLED
2013	391,032	352,202	261,598	90,604	25.7%
2014	422,946	386,412	273,152	113,260	29.3%
2015	440,469	415,012	299,649	115,363	27.8%
2016	461,009	420,135	308,799	111,336	26.5%
2017	468,060	424,224	361,771	62,453	14.7%

Credit: Page 3 of IMPLEMENTATION OF FREE SHS PROGRAMME PREPARATION FOR 2018/19 ACADEMIC YEAR

By Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh Hon. Minister for Education.

Per the table above, it is disturbing to note that several students (i.e. 90, 604 (2013), 113,260 (2014), 115,363 (2015), 111,336 (2016) and 62, 453 (2017) although eligible and placed by the CSSPS, could not be enrolled.

1. Approach to implementation:

Another constitutional matter worthy of mention is that, the constitution gave a guideline for the implementation of the Fee Free SHS.

Article 25(1)(b):

(b) secondary education in its different forms, including technical and vocational education, shall be made generally available and accessible to all by every appropriate means, and in particular, by the progressive introduction of free education;

The guideline is that, the introduction shall be progressive.

The Cambridge Dictionary defines the word ‘progressive’ as “Developing or happening gradually.”

The Oxford Dictionary also defines the word ‘progressive’ as “Happening or developing gradually or in stages”

Therefore, many citizens and critics expected the government to churn out this credible policy gradually and in stages. They candidly think that the implementation of both policies were in haste and so, missed the gradual and careful development of the concepts.

The gap in the constitution (I stand to be corrected) is that no timelines and deadlines were set for the full implementation of Fee Free SHS. This gap has laid the Fee Free SHS wide open and at the mercy of political powers in the country, particularly, the NDC and NPP.

Maybe, the reason for such haste is to score political points in the eyes of eligible voters during election eras.  Moreover, since the four-year term is too short to fulfil all their political campaign promises, they sometimes run through governmental policies carelessly. This usually cripples well-thought out policies clearly spelt out in laws and ends up ruining it entirely.

For example: Article 25(1)(a) states that:

(a) basic education shall be free, compulsory and available to all;

The Education Act (Act 778) 2(2) states:

Education at the basic level is free and compulsory

For this reason, the FCUBE (Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education) was introduced in 1995, which promised Free Compulsory Basic Education by 2005. Subsequently, the Capitation Grant Policy (2005) and the Ghana School Feeding Programme (2005) were implemented. However, up to date, government owes public basic schools capitation grant arrears and access has not been achieved in the Ghana School Feeding Programme.

What overwhelms me is the attempt to re-implement fee paying at the basic education, which is clearly against the 1992 constitution and the Education act, 2008, Act 778. Rather, promoting Fee Free SHS, which is not strictly binding on the government now.

My evidence is based on the report submitted by CODE, COMEU AND COHBS to the Director-General to legally charge fees at the basic school level at their meeting held on Monday,9^th July, 2018.

 One of their reasons is that the Capitation grant is inadequate to cater for their needs as well as delays in disbursement.

 I ask the following questions:

1. Wouldn’t the approval violate the 1992 constitution and the Education Act, Act 778?
2. Aren’t we prioritizing Fee Free SHS over Free Compulsory Universal Education?
3. Should our education system be at the mercy of political powers rather than our consented laws?
4. Finally, what can be done to ensure that all political parties in power implement critical constitutional demands according to strict dictates but not their discretion?

The report clearly shows that, the challenges bedevilling the basic level has not been cured, but the current government is in a haste to overlook these hurdles and focus all their attention on the Fee Free SHS.

The Akans say, “Se wo de wo ani abien hwe toa mu a, baako bo”

 

 

 

 

 

PART 2: POPULATION MATTERS:

The 2010 population of Ghana on the website of the Ghana Statistical Service is 24,658,823 (Census 2010). It based on this figure to project that by 2018, the figure would rise to 29,614,337. Currently, as stated by the Minister of Education, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, there are 1,116,495 SHS students in 696 public schools. This means that about 3.7% of our population is at the SHS level. Now, if you are to share the total number of SHS students evenly among the 696 public schools; then it means that 1,604 students should be in one school. However, this may not be possible because, some of the schools lack the capacity (space), infrastructure and teachers to cope with the situation.

To curb these challenges, the minister proposed some interventions:

1. Appeal to Development Partners for support
2. Partial Securitization of GET Fund Receivables for infrastructure development
3. Capping GET Fund at 25%
4. Double-track School Calendar

However, he felt that, the last option – the double track – would be the best option to cater for the capacity, infrastructure and teacher challenges.

The double track was chosen because of the following reasons:

A – Create room to accommodate increase in enrolment                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

B – Reduce class sizes

C – Increase contact hours

D – Increase the number of holidays

According to him, the double track is best to preserve the limited infrastructure in the various SHS.

Although, the minister and the current government are very optimistic about the double track, many citizens are very pessimistic. Their pessimism lies on the following issues:

1. Over-stretched or prolonged contact hours: (Minimum – 8 hours per day and maximum 9 hours per day). Previously, 6 hours (7am to 2 pm). Difference – 2 (minimum) and 3 (maximum) hours.
2. Increased vacation days: (From 84 days (12 weeks) to 112 days (16 weeks)
3. Teaching days are reduced from 180 days to 162 days (difference – 18days)
4. Number of days in boarding reduced from 265 days to 225 days (difference – 40 days)
5. The all year round school will burden the infrastructure the SHS.

PERSONAL ANALYSIS:

1. The double-track and the semester system are going to reduce school days per year (i.e.: 8 months to 7 months; 265 days to 255 days). This is very critical because the former three-term system provided a relaxed and comfortable duration to study. With the new system – semester system, the school days are reduced by 40 days. Therefore, teaching and learning would have to be rushed rather than relaxed, in order to make up for the lost 40 days. I guess that is why the contact hours have been stretched or prolonged from 7 hours to 8 and 9 hours However, I must say that, this will put much pressure on the students, who are going to do 8 to 9 hours a day and 40 to 45 periods per week.
2. The increase in the vacation days from 84 days (12 weeks) to 112 (16 weeks) may cause low performance at the SHS level. This is because; many students see vacation as a break and a period for relaxation and entertainment. My argument is that, for the tertiary level that practices the semester system, each semester is distinct with different courses mounted for each semester; and so students are not examined on the previous semesters and academic years. The SHS semester system is not like that, and so students are under pressure to pile up contents from previous semesters and academic years, and sit for an international external examination (WASSCE) at the end of their SHS education.
3. For the double-track in the first year, the second track that will later join the first track for the end of semester examination may be at the disadvantage, because their preparedness may be lacking or limited as compared to the first track that would already be in school.
4. However, with the new system, the population in the various SHS would be reduced, and so much capacity (space) would be gained; teacher to student ratio would be enhanced; cost would be reduced and well apportioned and infrastructure would be less burdened.

To conclude on the population matters, I appreciate the rapid interventions taken by the current government to solve the challenges in the Fee Free SHS.  I hope the system does not affect the pedagogical and academic work at the SHS level.

 

PART 3: RESOURCE MATTERS:

Economists say that resources are limited but human needs are limitless. Therefore, there is the need to manage the scarce resources appropriately by prioritizing our needs and wants; and fairly distributing them to appropriate sectors.

In order to distribute resources fairly, there is the need to do proper cost evaluation. The table below is an extract from the presentation by Hon. Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh (Minister of Education). The table has carefully analysed the additional cost to be incurred because of the excess enrolment (Gap) of 181,993.

ADDITIONAL COST DUE TO INCREASE IN ENROLMENT NUMBERS

According to the table, the grand total (overall) cost for the additional enrolment is 1,338,083,639. However, the double-track system is able to eliminate a total sum of 1,070,846,650 to cater for only the cost of hiring additional teachers – 8,872. The opportunity cost made will allow the nation much time to meet the other costs involved totalling 1,070,846,650. In this case, the nation will not rush through loan and donor deals that might cost the nation many dollars later like the Ameri deal. Moreover, procurement procedures would not be rushed because there would be much time for the procurement board to vet and approve tenders for the respective projects. So in these instances, the double track is a saviour but not a devil.

It will also give more room for the government to fund the Fee Free SHS because students in the double track would be catered for at different times. This means that fewer funds would be needed because of the division; rather than catering for the whole 472,730 at the same time.

Let us also be mindful of the fact that, according to the minister of finance in the 2017 and 2018 budgets. Some costs have already been incurred in order to better the Fee Free SHS.

96,413 mono desks, 32,171dinning hall furniture, 3,033 tables and chairs for teachers, 12,953 bunk beds, 4335 mattresses and 5135 computer lab. chairs.

They are even very optimistic about the fact that, if the Planting for Food and Jobs Project succeeds, they would have no challenge in feeding the SHS students.

Above all, this is investing in the future of the nation and giving all eligible students, as stipulated in the constitution, equal educational opportunities.

However, some obvious economic challenges cannot be overlooked:

1. There is too much burden on the merger revenues of the state. Indeed, the Minister of Finance is on record to have said and I quote, “…there must be changes in the way the policy is being administered in the future…You need to be able to get the data to then be discriminatory in how and who pays and who doesn’t pay”.

One can infer from his statement that the policy is placing very huge burden on the government. Therefore, moving forward, the policy must be discriminatory to allow those who can pay to pay; so that the government can focus his attention on those who cannot pay.

 

2. The Fee Free SHS is economically competing unfavourably with the FCUBE and its elements like the provision of teaching and learning materials, capitation grant and school feeding programme. Sadly, attention is shifting from Free Basic education to Free Secondary education. The nation must get its priorities right to sustain both prominent policies.

 

3. The Fee Free SHS indicates to me that, some people in the same bracket are marginalized. For example, the programme failed to include the informal sector like the artisans – beauticians, tailors, carpenters, etc – who are likely acquiring knowledge and skills, and are part of the human resource of the economy.

 

4. If routine maintenance and repairs are not made, then the pressure on infrastructure because of the all year school may collapse several of them. This will accrue additional cost to the nation. I must note that, Ghanaians are good at maintenance, considering how we are even treating our natural resources like our water bodies and mineral resources.

 

5. The cost of hiring extra teaching and non-teaching staff will also increase the wage bill. Already, government owes workers many arrears. The hiring of additional staff will also cause the government to build more bungalows. (I am not saying, they should not hire, but they should tread cautiously)

 

CONCLUSION: THE WAY FORWARD:

There must be broader consultation and more clarity on the policy. No one must be sidelined – especially, critics. Further assessments must be done to cut cost and ensure judicious use of resources.

The Basic education is suffering and needs a big push. Government must re-focus his attention on Basic education. No one must be sidelined – especially, the disabled.

To the citizens, we must not be mere spectators and commentators; but supporters to ensure the success of the policy. No one must be sidelined – especially, the opposition party.

The minister of Finance has provided a roadmap for the future. Let us consider it.

Above all, let us pray fervently for the LORD’s direction regarding this policy.

GOD BLESS OUR HOMELAND GHANA.

Compiled by Ernest Offei Sakyiama (Erofsa Writes)

12/08/2018.

 

Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day:

Quote of the Day

It is true: God, created us [all of us – the entire human race] in His own image and likeness. 

Men, Women, Blacks, Whites, Reds, Africans, Europeans, Asians, Americans … all of us were created in the exact image and likeness of God.

Genesis 1:26-27:

“Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our own image, in our likeness …So God made mankind in his own image (resemblance, model, representative), in the image of God he created them; male and female He created them” So both men and women were created in the image and likeness (resemblance, model, shape, manner, similitude or similar to God) of God.”

We all ought to recognize that, so that we can live the God-life on earth – Live in wisdom, integrity, power, knowledge and glory.

WE ARE DIFFERENT IN PERSONALITY:

However, God formed us so differently in the wombs of our parents. This means we have the same image and likeness; yet, we differ so much in PERSONALITY – Mind, Body and Soul.

Science has proven that no two people, even twins are the same in mind and body.

Therefore, we ought to recognize our difference, and pursue it; rather than chase after the personality of others – We may be chasing the wind. Tossed to and fro in our loss of personal identity.

The house fowl can never soar so high as the eagle. Even if it practices to do so for the rest of its life. Think about it.

The Great Socrates clears this fact, and admonishes us  ” To know Thyself”

He opines that, one of the most important things in life is to “Know thyself” He urges man to pursue knowledge of self  so he or she can acquire the right habits to get closer to man, the universe and to God.

Don’t be like the eagle who lived all his life as a house fowl and lost completely his peculiar personal identity and purpose in life.

YOU have a peculiar personal identity which will help you to achieve your purpose in life. So stop imitating and competing with others in life, and start a genuine journey to knowing thyself.

Just imagine! if the horse and the tortoise engages in a race. Definitely, the tortoise will lose greatly, and think itself so stupid and useless.

“You can only achieve greatness when you identify your unique nature and work at developing it – Be yourself now. Stop imitation, for a certified true copy of a document is not the same as the original document, irrespective of its power.

“THE POWER TO ACHIEVING YOUR PURPOSE IN LIFE IS FIRST FINDING OUT WHO YOU REALLY ARE.”

Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day:

 

It is true: God, created us [all of us – the entire human race] in His own image and likeness. 

Men, Women, Blacks, Whites, Reds, Africans, Europeans, Asians, Americans … all of us were created in the exact image and likeness of God.

Genesis 1:26-27:

“Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our own image, in our likeness …So God made mankind in his own image (resemblance, model, representative), in the image of God he created them; male and female He created them” So both men and women were created in the image and likeness (resemblance, model, shape, manner, similitude or similar to God) of God.”

We all ought to recognize that, so that we can live the God-life on earth – Live in wisdom, integrity, power, knowledge and glory.

WE ARE DIFFERENT IN PERSONALITY:

However, God formed us so differently in the wombs of our parents. This means we have the same image and likeness; yet, we differ so much in PERSONALITY – Mind, Body and Soul.

Science has proven that no two people, even twins are the same in mind and body.

Therefore, we ought to recognize our difference, and pursue it; rather than chase after the personality of others – We may be chasing the wind. Tossed to and fro in our loss of personal identity.

The house fowl can never soar so high as the eagle. Even if it practices to do so for the rest of its life. Think about it.

The Great Socrates clears this fact, and admonishes us  ” To know Thyself”

He opines that, one of the most important things in life is to “Know thyself” He urges man to pursue knowledge of self  so he or she can acquire the right habits to get closer to man, the universe and to God.

Don’t be like the eagle who lived all his life as a house fowl and lost completely his peculiar personal identity and purpose in life.

YOU have a peculiar personal identity which will help you to achieve your purpose in life. So stop imitating and competing with others in life, and start a genuine journey to knowing thyself.

Just imagine! if the horse and the tortoise engages in a race. Definitely, the tortoise will lose greatly, and think itself so stupid and useless.

“You can only achieve greatness when you identify your unique nature and work at developing it – Be yourself now. Stop imitation, for a certified true copy of a document is not the same as the original document, irrespective of its power.

“THE POWER TO ACHIEVING YOUR PURPOSE IN LIFE IS FIRST FINDING OUT WHO YOU REALLY ARE.”

Articles:

FREE SHS:

A COMPREHENSIVE OVERVIEW

INTRODUCTION:

 

INTRODUCTION:

The background of the Free SHS Policy is found in Four (4) key documents:

A. The Constitution of the Republic of Ghana;

B. The NPP 2016 Manifesto;

C: The 2017 Annual Budget Statement and Economic Policy;

D: The Presidential State of the Nation Address.

A. THE CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF GHANA:

ARTICLE 25 (1) B

(b) Secondary education in its different forms, including technical and vocational education, shall be made generally available and accessible to all by every appropriate means, and in particular, by the progressive introduction of free education;

B. THE NPP MANIFESTO 2016:

• Free SHS

The NPP will redefine basic education to include Senior High School (SHS), covering vocational, agricultural and technical schools, and make available for free on a universal basis to all Ghanaians.

C. MESSAGE ON THE STATE OF THE NATION BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC, NANA ADDO DANKWA AKUFO-ADDO, ON THE OCCASION OF THE STATE OPENING OF PARLIAMENT ON TUESDAY,FEBRUARY 21, 2017.

“…And just in case there is anyone left in this country who has not heard yet, Free SHS starts with the 2017/2018 entrants into the public SHS.”

D. 2017 ANNUAL BUDGET STATEMENT AND ECONOMIC POLICY [THURSDAY, 2^ND MARCH, 2017]:

FREE PUBLIC SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

861. Mr. Speaker, as part of our commitment to improve access to education at all levels, Government will implement the comprehensive free public Senior High School (SHS) programme starting with the 2017/2018 academic year. This will include technical and vocational institutes.
862. Mr. Speaker, adequate provisions have been made for the funding of this monumental social intervention programme which is set to begin in September, 2017, from the ABFA [The Annual Budget Funding Amount] and other domestic revenue sources.

ENTRANTS:

BECE 2017 STATISTICS:

1. 468,060 – Candidates who sat for the exams.
2. 241,145 – Males
3. 226,906 – Females
4. 3,315 – Failed to turn up to write the exams.
5. 1,298 – Candidates suspicious of examination malpractice by the Item Differentia Profile Software (IDP)

PLACEMENTS:

CSSPS placements:

Note: Placement is not based on grade or aggregate but on raw scores of candidates.

1. 460.941 – Registered candidates.
2. 424,092 (92%) – Qualified to be placed.
3. 150,770 – Not placed in their schools of choice.
4. 267,327 – Placed in their school of choice.
5. 36,849 (8%) – Not placed because of obtaining Grade 9 in English Language or Mathematics.

Challenges in the Cssps:

1. 150,770 qualified BECE candidates could not be placed in their schools of choice. The GES asked the qualified students who did not get a place of their choice to “go online and select an option available within 48 hours from today.”

Date: 1^st September, 2017 [Friday].

Time: 8 am

Duration: 48 hours

Closing date: 5^th September, 2017 [Tuesday].

Website: www.myjhsresult.net

2. The website became inaccessible due to too much pressure on the servers; so a new website was launched: www.cssps.gov.gh and the candidates were redirected to follow the new link when they logged on in the old website: www.myjhsresult,net

Date extended to: 8^th September, 2017[Friday].

3. Final date extension: 30^th September, 2017[Saturday]. This is to allow all qualified candidates to be placed on the Free SHS programme.
4. Some students mistakenly placed in schools not intended for them. For instance, a girl lamented for being placed in the Mampong School for the Deaf; whereas, she is not a deaf.

PROGRAMME LAUNCH:

Date: Thursday, 31^st August, 2017.

Venue: Flagstaff House

The logo for the Free SHS programme features two students celebrating because they are beneficiaries of the policy.

Underneath the symbol are three words; access, equity and quality and the logo features an open book, which the Minister of State in-Charge of Tertiary Education, Professor Kwesi Yankah, explained: “represents learning that generates hope and optimism for a prosperous Ghana.”

“The central symbol portrays two children emerging from a pleasurable learning experience as they spontaneously explode in joy. They are beneficiaries of the policy that lifts the total burden of fees from parents.”

[Credit: www.citifmonline.com]

FUNDING:

Source: Oil proceeds:

President Nana Akuffo-Addo has stated that the proceeds from the Ghana’s oil would be channelled into the funding of the Free Senior High School (SHS) Programme, which is set to take off next academic year.

[Credit: www.myjoyonline.com]

BUDGET:

2017/2018 Academic Year

Total sum earmarked for the Free SHS project – GHc486 Million.

Total sum released from government – GH c 240 Million[Nearly half (50%) of the total budgeted amount.]

Challenge:

1. The government could not commit to his promise of disbursing half of the total amount to the SHS headmasters two weeks prior to the re-opening of the SHS.

The government released for disbursement half of the total amount earmarked:

Date: Friday, 8^th September, 2017.

COST ESTIMATE:

2016/ 2017 Academic Year Tuition Fees:

1. Boarding Facility: Ȼ1,022.20.
2. Day: Ȼ560.
3. The Honourable Okudjeto Ablakwa [Former Deputy Minister for Education, responsible for Tertiary Education] speculated on News file on Joy News [9/9/2017] that, the current fees could stand at, as below, based on the trend in the tuition fees from 2014/2015 to 2016/2017.
4. Boarding – GHc 1,0320.
5. Day – GHc 720

Challenges:

Reduction in Fees / Slashing of some fees:

1. Government has reduced the Teacher motivation fees, which was later called the Staff Incentive Fees or levy by GH c10. Formally, it was GH c30 per anum: GHc 10 per term. Now, it stands at GH c6.67 per term.
2. Government has now exempted Non-Teaching staff from the Staff Incentive fees, on the grounds that they do not take part in the instructional period. The money is strictly to be shared amongst the teachers.
3. Extra classes is illegitimate and even if PTA approves at its general meetings, it shall not be compulsory and binding on the students. Therefore, no teacher can force or sack a student from the class for non-compliance.

Infrastructural gap:

18,532 classrooms

1. 6063 classrooms are in deplorable states:
2. 4079 classrooms need minor repairs.
3. 1984 classrooms need major repairs.
4. Inadequate Science laboratory

The Detailed Tuition Fees for Second Cycle Schools is listed as below for the 2016/32017 Academic Year:

CONCLUSIONS:

INFRASTRUCTURE:

1. The government should focus on repairing deplorable classrooms.
2. The government should not abandon the uncompleted SHS building project by the former government. Since, some have even absorbed the qualified candidates.
3. The government should provide quality and adequate Teaching learning resources like Science labs, vehicles, etc to ensure quality.

HUMAN RESOURCE:

1. The Government should not neglect the payment of salaries and allowances of educational workers, especially, teachers at the expense of the Free SHS. The government owes many teachers and educational workers, and he needs to settle all salary arrears to create a positive motivation in the profession and education at large.
2. The government must create a conducive environment for teachers and other educational workers to ensure the smooth running of the programme.
3. The government must allocate some money for in-service training and workshops for teachers; in order to help them to upgrade their knowledge and skills.

FREE SHS SECRETARIAT:

1. The Secretariat responsible must be adequately resourced.
2. The Secretariat must be very proactive to attend to the plight of parents, students and other stakeholders of education, when anomalies or the need arises.

CSSPS:

1. The CSSPS must be technologically advanced to eliminate certain human errors.
2. An appropriate algorithm must be created to enhance the system of placement by the CSSPS.

GOVERNMENT:

1. Government must be opened up to receive constructive criticisms by the opposition, especially NDC; policy analysts and think tanks; parents and all stakeholders of education.
2. Government must ensure a free flow of funds into the policy to make it sustainable.
3. Government must work very hard to sew all loop holes in the policy, and make it richer and better.

In conclusion, the entire populace must come together, irrespective of our political affiliations to support and ensure the FREE SHS POLICY succeeds.

God Bless Our Homeland Ghana!!!

Compiled by:

Ernest Offei Sakyiama.

[Saturday, 9^th September, 2017]

Articles:

FREE SHS:

A COMPREHENSIVE OVERVIEW

INTRODUCTION:

The background of the Free SHS Policy is found in Four (4) key documents:

1. The Constitution of the Republic of Ghana
2. The NPP 2016 Manifesto

C: The 2017 Annual Budget Statement and Economic Policy

D: The Presidential State of the Nation Address

 

1. THE CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF GHANA:

ARTICLE 25 (1) B

(b) Secondary education in its different forms, including technical and vocational education, shall be made generally available and accessible to all by every appropriate means, and in particular, by the progressive introduction of free education;

1. THE NPP MANIFESTO 2016:

• Free SHS

The NPP will redefine basic education to include Senior High School (SHS), covering vocational, agricultural and technical schools, and make available for free on a universal basis to all Ghanaians.

2017. MESSAGE ON THE STATE OF THE NATION BY THE PRESIDENT OFTHE REPUBLIC, NANA ADDO DANKWA AKUFO-ADDO, ON THEOCCASION OF THE STATE OPENING OF PARLIAMENT ON TUESDAY,FEBRUARY 21, 2017.

“…And just in case there is anyone left in this country who has not heard yet, Free SHS starts with the 2017/2018 entrants into the public SHS.”

2017 ANNUAL BUDGET STATEMENT AND ECONOMIC POLICY [THURSDAY, 2^ND MARCH, 2017]:

FREE PUBLIC SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

861. Mr. Speaker, as part of our commitment to improve access to education at all levels, Government will implement the comprehensive free public Senior High School (SHS) programme starting with the 2017/2018 academic year. This will include technical and vocational institutes.
862. Mr. Speaker, adequate provisions have been made for the funding of this monumental social intervention programme which is set to begin in September, 2017, from the ABFA [The Annual Budget Funding Amount] and other domestic revenue sources.

ENTRANTS:

BECE 2017 STATISTICS:

1. 468,060 – Candidates who sat for the exams.
2. 241,145 – Males
3. 226,906 – Females
4. 3,315 – Failed to turn up to write the exams.
5. 1,298 – Candidates suspicious of examination malpractice by the Item Differentia Profile Software (IDP)

PLACEMENTS:

CSSPS placements:

Note: Placement is not based on grade or aggregate but on raw scores of candidates.

1. 460.941 – Registered candidates.
2. 424,092 (92%) – Qualified to be placed.
3. 150,770 – Not placed in their schools of choice.
4. 267,327 – Placed in their school of choice.
5. 36,849 (8%) – Not placed because of obtaining Grade 9 in English Language or Mathematics.

Challenges in the Cssps:

1. 150,770 qualified BECE candidates could not be placed in their schools of choice. The GES asked the qualified students who did not get a place of their choice to “go online and select an option available within 48 hours from today.”

Date: 1^st September, 2017 [Friday].

Time: 8 am

Duration: 48 hours

Closing date: 5^th September, 2017 [Tuesday].

Website: www.myjhsresult.net

2. The website became inaccessible due to too much pressure on the servers; so a new website was launched: www.cssps.gov.gh and the candidates were redirected to follow the new link when they logged on in the old website: www.myjhsresult,net

Date extended to: 8^th September, 2017[Friday].

3. Final date extension: 30^th September, 2017[Saturday]. This is to allow all qualified candidates to be placed on the Free SHS programme.
4. Some students mistakenly placed in schools not intended for them. For instance, a girl lamented for being placed in the Mampong School for the Deaf; whereas, she is not a deaf.

PROGRAMME LAUNCH:

Date: Thursday, 31^st August, 2017.

Venue: Flagstaff House

The logo for the Free SHS programme features two students celebrating because they are beneficiaries of the policy.

 

Underneath the symbol are three words; access, equity and quality and the logo features an open book, which the Minister of State in-Charge of Tertiary Education, Professor Kwesi Yankah, explained: “represents learning that generates hope and optimism for a prosperous Ghana.”

“The central symbol portrays two children emerging from a pleasurable learning experience as they spontaneously explode in joy. They are beneficiaries of the policy that lifts the total burden of fees from parents.”

 

[Credit: www.citifmonline.com]

 

FUNDING:

Source: Oil proceeds:

President Nana Akuffo-Addo has stated that the proceeds from the Ghana’s oil would be channelled into the funding of the Free Senior High School (SHS) Programme, which is set to take off next academic year.

[Credit: www.myjoyonline.com]

BUDGET:

2017/2018 Academic Year

Total sum earmarked for the Free SHS project – GHc486 Million.

Total sum released from government – GH c 240 Million [Nearly half (50%) of the total budgeted amount.]

 

 

Challenge:

1. The government could not commit to his promise of disbursing half of the total amount to the SHS headmasters two weeks prior to the re-opening of the SHS.

The government released for disbursement half of the total amount earmarked:

Date: Friday, 8^th September, 2017.

COST ESTIMATE:

2016/ 2017 Academic Year Tuition Fees:

1. Boarding Facility: Ȼ1,022.20.
2. Day: Ȼ560.
3. The Honourable Okudjeto Ablakwa [Former Deputy Minister for Education, responsible for Tertiary Education] speculated on News file on Joy News [9/9/2017] that, the current fees could stand at, as below, based on the trend in the tuition fees from 2014/2015 to 2016/2017.
4. Boarding – GHc 1,0320.
5. Day – GHc 720

Challenges:

Reduction in Fees / Slashing of some fees:

1. Government has reduced the Teacher motivation fees, which was later called the Staff Incentive Fees or levy by GH c10. Formally, it was GH c30 per anum: GHc 10 per term. Now, it stands at GH c6.67 per term.
2. Government has now exempted Non-Teaching staff from the Staff Incentive fees, on the grounds that they do not take part in the instructional period. The money is strictly to be shared amongst the teachers.
3. Extra classes is illegitimate and even if PTA approves at its general meetings, it shall not be compulsory and binding on the students. Therefore, no teacher can force or sack a student from the class for non-compliance.

Infrastructural gap:

18,532 classrooms

1. 6063 classrooms are in deplorable states:
2. 4079 classrooms need minor repairs.
3. 1984 classrooms need major repairs.
4. Inadequate Science laboratory

 

The Detailed Tuition Fees for Second Cycle Schools is listed as below for the 2016/32017 Academic Year:

CONCLUSIONS:

INFRASTRUCTURE:

1. The government should focus on repairing deplorable classrooms.
2. The government should not abandon the uncompleted SHS building project by the former government. Since, some have even absorbed the qualified candidates.
3. The government should provide quality and adequate Teaching learning resources like Science labs, vehicles, etc to ensure quality.

HUMAN RESOURCE:

1. The Government should not neglect the payment of salaries and allowances of educational workers, especially, teachers at the expense of the Free SHS. The government owes many teachers and educational workers, and he needs to settle all salary arrears to create a positive motivation in the profession and education at large.
2. The government must create a conducive environment for teachers and other educational workers to ensure the smooth running of the programme.
3. The government must allocate some money for in-service training and workshops for teachers; in order to help them to upgrade their knowledge and skills.

FREE SHS PROGRAMME:

1. The Secretariat responsible must be adequately resourced.
2. The Secretariat must be very proactive to attend to the plight of parents, students and other stakeholders of education, when anomalies or the need arises.

CSSPS:

1. The CSSPS must be technologically advanced to eliminate certain human errors.
2. An appropriate algorithm must be created to enhance the system of placement by the CSSPS.

Government:

1. Government must be opened up to receive constructive criticisms by the opposition, especially NDC; policy analysts and think tanks; parents and all stakeholders of education.
2. Government must ensure a free flow of funds into the policy to make it sustainable.
3. Government must work very hard to sew all loop holes in the policy, and make it richer and better.

In conclusion, the entire populace must come together, irrespective of our political affiliations to support and ensure the FREE SHS POLICY succeeds.

God Bless Our Homeland Ghana!!!

Compiled by:

Ernest Offei Sakyiama.

[Saturday, 9^th September, 2017]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Articles:

FREE SHS:

A COMPREHENSIVE OVERVIEW

INTRODUCTION:

 

INTRODUCTION:

The background of the Free SHS Policy is found in Four (4) key documents:

A. The Constitution of the Republic of Ghana;

B. The NPP 2016 Manifesto;

C: The 2017 Annual Budget Statement and Economic Policy;

D: The Presidential State of the Nation Address.

A. THE CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF GHANA:

ARTICLE 25 (1) B

(b) Secondary education in its different forms, including technical and vocational education, shall be made generally available and accessible to all by every appropriate means, and in particular, by the progressive introduction of free education;

B. THE NPP MANIFESTO 2016:

• Free SHS

The NPP will redefine basic education to include Senior High School (SHS), covering vocational, agricultural and technical schools, and make available for free on a universal basis to all Ghanaians.

C. MESSAGE ON THE STATE OF THE NATION BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC, NANA ADDO DANKWA AKUFO-ADDO, ON THE OCCASION OF THE STATE OPENING OF PARLIAMENT ON TUESDAY,FEBRUARY 21, 2017.

“…And just in case there is anyone left in this country who has not heard yet, Free SHS starts with the 2017/2018 entrants into the public SHS.”

D. 2017 ANNUAL BUDGET STATEMENT AND ECONOMIC POLICY [THURSDAY, 2^ND MARCH, 2017]:

FREE PUBLIC SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

861. Mr. Speaker, as part of our commitment to improve access to education at all levels, Government will implement the comprehensive free public Senior High School (SHS) programme starting with the 2017/2018 academic year. This will include technical and vocational institutes.
862. Mr. Speaker, adequate provisions have been made for the funding of this monumental social intervention programme which is set to begin in September, 2017, from the ABFA [The Annual Budget Funding Amount] and other domestic revenue sources.

ENTRANTS:

BECE 2017 STATISTICS:

1. 468,060 – Candidates who sat for the exams.
2. 241,145 – Males
3. 226,906 – Females
4. 3,315 – Failed to turn up to write the exams.
5. 1,298 – Candidates suspicious of examination malpractice by the Item Differentia Profile Software (IDP)

PLACEMENTS:

CSSPS placements:

Note: Placement is not based on grade or aggregate but on raw scores of candidates.

1. 460.941 – Registered candidates.
2. 424,092 (92%) – Qualified to be placed.
3. 150,770 – Not placed in their schools of choice.
4. 267,327 – Placed in their school of choice.
5. 36,849 (8%) – Not placed because of obtaining Grade 9 in English Language or Mathematics.

Challenges in the Cssps:

1. 150,770 qualified BECE candidates could not be placed in their schools of choice. The GES asked the qualified students who did not get a place of their choice to “go online and select an option available within 48 hours from today.”

Date: 1^st September, 2017 [Friday].

Time: 8 am

Duration: 48 hours

Closing date: 5^th September, 2017 [Tuesday].

Website: www.myjhsresult.net

2. The website became inaccessible due to too much pressure on the servers; so a new website was launched: www.cssps.gov.gh and the candidates were redirected to follow the new link when they logged on in the old website: www.myjhsresult,net

Date extended to: 8^th September, 2017[Friday].

3. Final date extension: 30^th September, 2017[Saturday]. This is to allow all qualified candidates to be placed on the Free SHS programme.
4. Some students mistakenly placed in schools not intended for them. For instance, a girl lamented for being placed in the Mampong School for the Deaf; whereas, she is not a deaf.

PROGRAMME LAUNCH:

Date: Thursday, 31^st August, 2017.

Venue: Flagstaff House

The logo for the Free SHS programme features two students celebrating because they are beneficiaries of the policy.

Underneath the symbol are three words; access, equity and quality and the logo features an open book, which the Minister of State in-Charge of Tertiary Education, Professor Kwesi Yankah, explained: “represents learning that generates hope and optimism for a prosperous Ghana.”

“The central symbol portrays two children emerging from a pleasurable learning experience as they spontaneously explode in joy. They are beneficiaries of the policy that lifts the total burden of fees from parents.”

[Credit: www.citifmonline.com]

FUNDING:

Source: Oil proceeds:

President Nana Akuffo-Addo has stated that the proceeds from the Ghana’s oil would be channelled into the funding of the Free Senior High School (SHS) Programme, which is set to take off next academic year.

[Credit: www.myjoyonline.com]

BUDGET:

2017/2018 Academic Year

Total sum earmarked for the Free SHS project – GHc486 Million.

Total sum released from government – GH c 240 Million [Nearly half (50%) of the total budgeted amount.]

Challenge:

1. The government could not commit to his promise of disbursing half of the total amount to the SHS headmasters two weeks prior to the re-opening of the SHS.

The government released for disbursement half of the total amount earmarked:

Date: Friday, 8^th September, 2017.

COST ESTIMATE:

2016/ 2017 Academic Year Tuition Fees:

1. Boarding Facility: Ȼ1,022.20.
2. Day: Ȼ560.
3. The Honourable Okudjeto Ablakwa [Former Deputy Minister for Education, responsible for Tertiary Education] speculated on News file on Joy News [9/9/2017] that, the current fees could stand at, as below, based on the trend in the tuition fees from 2014/2015 to 2016/2017.
4. Boarding – GHc 1,0320.
5. Day – GHc 720

Challenges:

Reduction in Fees / Slashing of some fees:

1. Government has reduced the Teacher motivation fees, which was later called the Staff Incentive Fees or levy by GH c10. Formally, it was GH c30 per anum: GHc 10 per term. Now, it stands at GH c6.67 per term.
2. Government has now exempted Non-Teaching staff from the Staff Incentive fees, on the grounds that they do not take part in the instructional period. The money is strictly to be shared amongst the teachers.
3. Extra classes is illegitimate and even if PTA approves at its general meetings, it shall not be compulsory and binding on the students. Therefore, no teacher can force or sack a student from the class for non-compliance.

Infrastructural gap:

18,532 classrooms

1. 6063 classrooms are in deplorable states:
2. 4079 classrooms need minor repairs.
3. 1984 classrooms need major repairs.
4. Inadequate Science laboratory

The Detailed Tuition Fees for Second Cycle Schools is listed as below for the 2016/32017 Academic Year:

CONCLUSIONS:

INFRASTRUCTURE:

1. The government should focus on repairing deplorable classrooms.
2. The government should not abandon the uncompleted SHS building project by the former government. Since, some have even absorbed the qualified candidates.
3. The government should provide quality and adequate Teaching learning resources like Science labs, vehicles, etc to ensure quality.

HUMAN RESOURCE:

1. The Government should not neglect the payment of salaries and allowances of educational workers, especially, teachers at the expense of the Free SHS. The government owes many teachers and educational workers, and he needs to settle all salary arrears to create a positive motivation in the profession and education at large.
2. The government must create a conducive environment for teachers and other educational workers to ensure the smooth running of the programme.
3. The government must allocate some money for in-service training and workshops for teachers; in order to help them to upgrade their knowledge and skills.

FREE SHS SECRETARIAT:

1. The Secretariat responsible must be adequately resourced.
2. The Secretariat must be very proactive to attend to the plight of parents, students and other stakeholders of education, when anomalies or the need arises.

CSSPS:

1. The CSSPS must be technologically advanced to eliminate certain human errors.
2. An appropriate algorithm must be created to enhance the system of placement by the CSSPS.

GOVERNMENT:

1. Government must be opened up to receive constructive criticisms by the opposition, especially NDC; policy analysts and think tanks; parents and all stakeholders of education.
2. Government must ensure a free flow of funds into the policy to make it sustainable.
3. Government must work very hard to sew all loop holes in the policy, and make it richer and better.

In conclusion, the entire populace must come together, irrespective of our political affiliations to support and ensure the FREE SHS POLICY succeeds.

God Bless Our Homeland Ghana!!!

Compiled by:

Ernest Offei Sakyiama.

[Saturday, 9^th September, 2017]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quote of the Day

Purpose is the motivation behind every creation.

~Ernest Offei Sakyiama

 

 

Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day: