A senior lecturer at the University of Ghana, Professor Martin Oteng Ababio has voiced concern about the Free Senior High School policy’s implementation, citing its detrimental impact on the education sector. While the policy has boosted university enrollment, the government has neglected to upgrade infrastructure in tertiary institutions, compromising quality for quantity.
Speaking during a campaign outreach by lecturers to intensify awareness of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) 2024 manifesto, Prof. Ababio highlighted the increased student intake has not been matched by corresponding increases in lecturers, lecture halls, or residential facilities. This has resulted in overwhelmed facilities, with some lecture halls accommodating up to 600-800 students. He emphasized that the policy’s benefits are overshadowed by its negative consequences on the entire educational system.
Prof. Ababio commended the National Democratic Congress’s proposal to review the Free SHS policy, acknowledging its initial benefits but stressing the need for adjustments to ensure sustainable quality education.