The Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) has emphasised that reviewing certain aspects of the government's flagship free senior high school (SHS) program is now critical going into 2024.

In its independent analysis of Ghana's 2024 budget expenditure plans, the Institute strongly recommended re-evaluating dimensions of the universally free secondary education policy.

"A review of some aspects of the free SHS system is critical," the report categorically states.

While the policy has led to massive enrolment increases since its full rollout in 2017, ISSER and other analysts note there are both fiscal and quality challenges in its current form requiring fresh consideration.

Areas cited for review include the sustainability of full absorption of students' entire tuition and costs by government amid constrained budgets.

Also, the increasing teacher-student ratios in many public SHS schools stretch resources and impact learning.

The World Bank has also called for means-testing and cost-sharing arrangements by parents to ensure optimal benefits and affordability of the program.

However, government has fiercely defended the policy and denied plans for parents to bear parts of their children's SHS education costs despite the ballooning student population.