Child Rights International (CRI) has urged stakeholders to uphold the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, stressing that recent calls for parents to take on additional financial responsibilities—such as feeding and accommodation for their children—threaten the core principles of the initiative.
In a statement issued on January 11, 2025, CRI expressed concern over suggestions for parents to provide food and other necessities due to ongoing feeding challenges in some SHS institutions. The organization highlighted that such proposals undermine the intent of the Free SHS programme, which was designed to promote equitable access to secondary education by removing financial barriers.
“When logistical challenges arise in the implementation of the Free SHS programme, it is essential for stakeholders to engage directly with the government to secure the necessary resources,” CRI stated. “Shifting these responsibilities to parents not only deviates from the policy’s framework but also places undue pressure on families, many of whom are already facing economic hardship.”
CRI emphasized that the Free SHS policy remains intact as of January 11, 2025, with no official directive requiring parents to contribute to feeding costs. The organization cautioned against unilateral actions or statements by individuals or institutions that could alter the framework of the policy without formal review and government approval.
Protecting Children’s Welfare
The statement reiterated Ghana’s commitment to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Children’s Act, underscoring the need to prioritize the welfare of children in policymaking. CRI stressed that no child should suffer due to systemic flaws or negligence, particularly in accessing essential provisions like food.
“Under no circumstances should children be impacted by the lack of food or any other basic necessity. It is our duty to ensure that children fully benefit from policies designed to support them, such as the Free SHS programme,” the statement noted.
Bright Appiah, Executive Director of CRI, assured stakeholders of the organization’s commitment to protecting children’s rights and ensuring equitable access to education. He called for continued dialogue and collaboration to address challenges facing the Free SHS programme while upholding its core principles of equity and inclusiveness.
CRI urged stakeholders to remain circumspect in their communications regarding the policy’s implementation, emphasizing the shared responsibility of all parties to protect the integrity and success of the Free SHS initiative.
This call to action comes as public discussions on addressing logistical challenges within the Free SHS programme continue to gain momentum.
