Professor Martin Oteng Ababio, a senior lecturer in the Geography department at the University of Ghana, has joined the ongoing debate about the Free SHS policy, expressing concerns that educators are feeling overwhelmed.
This discussion has gained momentum due to calls from Civil Society Organizations and parents advocating for a review of the policy to allow for greater parental involvement in enhancing education quality.
Since its launch in September 2017, the Free SHS policy—an initiative of the ruling New Patriotic Party—has been a significant topic of conversation. John Dramani Mahama, the flag bearer for the largest opposition party, the NDC, has promised to review the policy within his first 100 days if re-elected on December 7.
In comments made to the media during a street campaign to support Mahama, Professor Ababio highlighted that revising the policy could help ensure that not all SHS students pursue university degrees, with some opting for technical and vocational training instead.
“I am passionate about education,” he stated. “While I acknowledge that Free SHS has its benefits, it has also led to significant challenges within the educational system. The number of students entering university has surged dramatically without a corresponding increase in lectures or facilities. This compromises our ability to maintain quality in favor of quantity.”
He described the current state of lecture halls, noting that they often accommodate 600 to 800 students, making personalized instruction difficult. “It’s challenging to engage with each student effectively and manage grading workloads,” he lamented.
Professor Ababio expressed his approval of the NDC’s commitment to reviewing the policy, emphasizing the need for change.
