The Institute for Education Studies (IFEST) has called for a review of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, suggesting that parents contribute towards the cost to ensure the programme’s sustainability and efficacy.

Their call follows an appeal by the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) to the Ministry of Education, urging the release of overdue funds essential for the smooth operation of SHSs as they prepare to reopen for the 2025 academic year.

In a press signed by CHASS National Secretary Primus Baro, the group referred to earlier communications dated 20th September 2024 and 12th August 2024, along with assurances from the Minister of Education during a Zoom meeting on 18th December 2024, none of which have been fulfilled.

CHASS emphasised that unpaid arrears for perishable goods, utility bills, and other necessities continue to impede the schools' functionality.

They warned that without the release of these funds, reopening schools as scheduled on 3rd January 2025 would be difficult, adversely affecting the quality of education, infrastructure upkeep, and student welfare.

Speaking on Channel One TV on Monday, Patrick Danquah, Deputy Director of IFEST, underscored the need to reassess the Free SHS policy to effectively tackle these pressing challenges.

“Free SHS needs to be reviewed so that they can relook at the element of taking part of the cost and allowing the parents who were handling the costs better to continue to handle it the way they did,” he stated.