All Teachers Alliance Ghana (ATAG) has called for a comprehensive review of the free Senior High School (SHS) policy to maximize its benefits and impact.
General Secretary Albert Amoah commended the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) for its policy implementation but acknowledged that the policy is facing serious challenges. He has, therefore, proposed a review of the policy to capitalize on its gains.
One of the challenges he highlighted was the struggles some beneficiaries of the policy are experiencing at the tertiary level. He revealed that several free SHS graduates are finding it difficult to advance in their education after SHS, with those in the university performing poorly.
In an interview with Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, he underscored the importance of bolstering technical and vocational education to assist individuals who are unable to pursue humanities and other university-related courses.
“The free SHS policy is a good policy, and we need to commend the government for implementing it. However, the policy requires a holistic review.
“The reality is that some beneficiaries of the free SHS are struggling to progress academically. Some of them, who are in teacher training schools, nursing training colleges, and other tertiary institutions, are finding it difficult or are unable to cope.
“Others have also dropped out. One might ask, what are the reasons? Not every student prefers secondary education.
“They prefer technical and vocational training, so let’s identify these individuals and provide them with the necessary training,” he said.
“Information from various teacher training colleges indicates that some students are underperforming, and this has been attributed to the time allocated to their semesters while in secondary school. “That is why we need to review the free SHS policy to maximize its benefits,” he emphasized.
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