In the face of rising criticism and calls to rescind the Free Senior High School (FSHS) policy, the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta has moved forth to defend the program, emphasizing the moral responsibility to ensuring every Ghanaian child has access to education.

The idea has come under fire as a result of concerns with school nutrition and infrastructure.

During a discussion with the business community before of the 2023 Mid-year Budget Review, the Finance Minister acknowledged concerns over the Free SHS policy and agreed that means testing could be a feasible solution.

However, he highlighted that being a Ghanaian citizen rights all children to the fundamental human right of education.

He contended that, while some parents may be unable or unwilling to finance their children's education, it is the nation's collective responsibility to find a means for those children to acquire an education.

“There is the issue of Free Senior High School, people talk about us doing the means testing, which I agree, but we should also consider that that child is Ghanaian so the fact that the parent may not want to do it does not mean that as a Ghanaian citizen, I should not find a way for that child to go through Senior high.”

”In terms of the genuineness in placing this country where it should be, I can assure you that President Akufo-Addo and what he thinks about is the strength of the human capital at whatever cost. Get people educated, and it’s limitless what they can do,” the Finance Minister stated.

The Free SHS program, which was implemented to give free secondary education to all Ghanaian students, has recently met obstacles.

One of the significant concerns is that some schools are unable to offer adequate meals for their children owing to financing and supply constraints.

As a result, there have been concerns that some schools may be forced to close if these issues persist.

The situation has aroused controversy among individuals and legislators alike, with some believing that the policy should be reevaluated and possibly repealed in order to effectively address the rising challenges.

Despite these calls for reform, President Akufo-Addo has stated unequivocally that the Free Secondary Education Policy will be maintained.

It was highlighted that, even in the context of seeking IMF assistance, the government is determined to maintaining the policy and its essential purpose of delivering accessible education for all Ghanaian pupils.