The Minority Caucus in Parliament has announced its plan to advocate for a dedicated funding mechanism for the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy in an upcoming proposed government legislation.

This decision comes in response to a statement made by Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin on Tuesday, June 11, regarding the government’s intention to introduce a bill aimed at sustaining the Free SHS policy.

Peter Nortsu-Kotoe, Ranking Member on the Education Committee of Parliament, emphasized the Minority’s commitment to thoroughly scrutinizing the bill once it reaches the house.

He underscored the necessity of ensuring that the provisions of the bill secure the long-term viability and efficacy of the Free SHS policy.

“Is there going to be any dedicated funding for the free SHS? I will demand that, and that will be my first preoccupation. Because you just don’t come and bring a bill, and then the bill says that no government should change anything about the Free SHS.”

“You cannot do that. Only the constitution can make entrenched provisions, but not an act of Parliament, so we will look at all those things when the bill is presented.”

He highlighted that only constitutional provisions are entrenched, not parliamentary acts, and all aspects will be scrutinized during the bill's presentation.

Mr. Nortsu-Kotoe asserted that the government's motive is to utilize the policy as a political tool against the NDC. Nonetheless, he affirmed that the Minority will conduct thorough evaluations when the bill is tabled in parliament.

“You have six months to leave office, then you are coming to give it [Free SHS] legal backing to tie the hands of any government that will succeed you. That is what they want to do. And then thinking that they will use it as a political tool, or that when they bring it to Parliament, NDC will oppose it,” he added.