NPP Communications Team Member Urges Caution on Free SHS Program Amid Criticism

Fred Amankwah Sarfo, a member of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Communications Team, has strongly defended the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, despite criticism and challenges raised by various stakeholders. During a recent appearance on TV3’s NewDay program, Sarfo acknowledged the difficulties faced since the policy’s implementation but argued that its benefits far outweigh the issues, urging Ghanaians to focus on improving the program rather than abandoning it altogether.

Sarfo responded to critics who have questioned the motives behind the policy, including claims that it was introduced merely as a political move, and not out of a genuine commitment to education. He dismissed such claims as “unfair,” insisting that the policy’s significance should not be undermined simply because of its implementation challenges. Sarfo emphasized that the focus should be on addressing the difficulties rather than throwing out the entire policy.

“Many were initially opposed to the implementation of Free SHS. When we came into office, we proved that it was possible and worth doing. Yes, there have been challenges—everyone is aware of that. But as time goes on, we will work to address these issues,” Sarfo explained during the interview on January 27. He highlighted that critics who focused on the policy’s problems often missed its broader positive impact, noting that the provision of free secondary education had transformed the lives of countless students who otherwise might not have had the opportunity to attend high school.

Sarfo passionately defended the Free SHS initiative, calling it “fantastic” and a significant step forward for Ghana’s education system. “The fact that there are challenges does not take away from the value of the policy. It’s a fantastic policy. If there are issues, we should address them constructively,” he stated. He urged the public not to discard the policy simply because it had encountered some obstacles but instead to focus on finding solutions to improve its implementation.

He further elaborated on the polarized debate surrounding Free SHS, explaining that the conversation often oversimplified the issue into a binary choice of whether the policy is “good or bad.” Sarfo pointed out that the focus should shift toward how the policy can be made more effective, rather than debating its merits in black-and-white terms. The ultimate goal, according to Sarfo, should be to improve the program’s execution and ensure it benefits all Ghanaian students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The Free SHS policy, a flagship program of the NPP government, has been under scrutiny since its inception. Critics argue that the program was rushed and poorly planned, leading to challenges such as overcrowded classrooms, strained resources, and logistical issues that have impacted the quality of education. Some have also expressed concerns about the adequacy of funding and whether the government can sustain the program in the long term.

However, proponents of the policy point to the increased access to education it has provided, particularly for students from low-income families. By eliminating school fees, Free SHS has opened doors for thousands of students who might have otherwise been excluded from secondary education. Supporters argue that despite the challenges, the policy is a step in the right direction for improving the country’s education system and helping to break the cycle of poverty.

Sarfo’s defense of Free SHS comes at a time when the debate over its effectiveness remains highly charged. While the policy has provided significant benefits for many students, its critics believe that the execution has been flawed and that it needs substantial reforms to meet its intended goals. Nevertheless, Sarfo’s stance reflects a belief that, despite the hurdles, the core value of the program should not be lost in the conversation.

He concluded by reiterating the importance of focusing on solutions rather than abandoning the initiative entirely. Sarfo encouraged Ghanaians to engage in constructive discussions on how to address the shortcomings of the policy and ensure its continued success. In his view, the Free SHS program is not perfect, but it represents a critical step toward greater educational equality in Ghana, and efforts should be made to refine and strengthen it for the future.