In a significant development, the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo government has officially declared its intention to review the flagship Free Senior High School (Free SHS) program.

This revelation comes as part of the information presented in the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) latest report on Ghana's US$3 billion bailout programme.

The pertinent details of this policy shift are outlined on page 76 of the comprehensive 155-page report, falling under the section titled 'PUBLIC SPENDING EFFICIENCY.'

Within this segment, the government articulates its plans, which extend beyond the Free SHS program to include recalibrating the expenditure portfolio of Municipal and District Assemblies (MDAs) responsible for social spending.

This strategic move suggests a broader commitment to enhancing public spending efficiency and highlights the government's proactive stance in evaluating and adjusting key initiatives for the overall benefit of the nation.

The decision to review the Free SHS program, a cornerstone of the government's education policy, is likely to spark discussions and debates on the potential implications and desired outcomes.

The relevant portion on education read: “The key objective is to shift the composition of spending by these MDAs towards targeted and well-designed interventions.

"In addition to functional review of relevant MDAs, we will carry out a comprehensive assessment of public sector wages, including in education and health sectors.

Just weeks ago, the government found itself embroiled in a verbal exchange with former President John Dramani Mahama, who pledged to review the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) program if elected in 2025.

Despite the government's staunch defense, led by the education minister, asserting that the program requires improvements rather than a review, the debate surrounding the Free SHS policy remains contentious.

The Free SHS policy, a cornerstone of the government's education initiatives, focuses on eliminating financial barriers by absorbing fees approved by the GES council. Its objectives include not only enhancing accessibility by removing cost constraints but also improving educational quality. This is achieved through measures such as providing core textbooks and supplementary readers, implementing teacher rationalization and deployment strategies, and other impactful initiatives.

Furthermore, the policy aspires to address the anticipated surge in enrollment by expanding physical school infrastructure and facilities. As the government and former President Mahama lock horns over the future of the Free SHS program, the debate underscores the significance of this education policy and its potential impact on the nation's educational landscape.

“In the education sector, we will review and rationalize the Free Senior High School (SHS) program. We will continue our support to tertiary education, take targeted measures to improve foundational learning (e.g., increasing capitation grants) and introduce reforms with the help of development partners to improve overall learning outcomes.”

The December 18, 2023 report was titled: "STAFF REPORT FOR THE 2023 ARTICLE IV CONSULTATION, FIRST REVIEW UNDER THE ARRANGEMENT UNDER THE EXTENDED CREDIT FACILITY, REQUEST FOR MODIFICATION OF PERFORMANCE CRITERIA, AND FINANCING ASSURANCES REVIEW."