Child Rights Int’l opposes shifting Free SHS feeding costs to parents

Child Rights International has issued a strong warning against proposals to transfer the cost of feeding students under the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy to parents.

In a statement dated January 11, 2025, the organization emphasized the need to preserve the integrity of the Free SHS program, describing it as a transformative initiative that has significantly improved access to education in Ghana since its launch in 2017.

The statement categorically opposed suggestions that parents should bear the responsibility of providing food and essential supplies for their children in senior high schools.

Child Rights International argued that such proposals undermine the foundational principles of the Free SHS policy, which was designed to eliminate financial barriers to education and ensure inclusivity for all Ghanaian children.

Since its inception, the Free SHS program has been celebrated as a landmark social intervention. By covering tuition fees, feeding, accommodation, and other associated costs, it has enabled millions of students, especially those from low-income families and underserved communities, to access secondary education.

The policy’s impact has been particularly pronounced in rural areas, where the high cost of education previously prevented many families from sending their children to school. It has contributed to increased enrollment rates, reduced dropout rates, and improved literacy levels across the country.

However, the program has faced significant challenges, including overcrowded classrooms, delays in disbursing funds, and logistical issues, particularly related to feeding. These challenges have sparked public debates about the policy’s long-term sustainability.

Child Rights International’s statement stressed that any reforms to the program must focus on addressing its challenges without eroding the foundational benefits that make education accessible to all Ghanaian children.

Below is the statement.