Don’t charge unapproved fees for SHS- President warns

The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has warned that Senior High School (SHS) heads nationwide who undermine the Free SHS education policy and charge unapproved or exempted fees will be sanctioned. He said, every directive concerning the Policy should be strictly adhered to.

“No headmaster or headmistress, therefore, is to charge any unapproved or illegal fees or charge fees already exempted under the Free SHS Policy. Government will make sure of this and sanction any school head who flouts this directive,” the president explained.

The President gave the warning when he attended the 60th Anniversary celebration of Pope John Senior High School and Minor Seminary in Koforidua.

He indicated that a government may not be able to make every citizen rich, but with the political will and responsible leadership, a government can help create a society of opportunities and empowerment for every citizen. Adding that, the country has a sacred duty to children and future generations to ensure that irrespective of their circumstances, their right to education is preserved.

“I know no better way to do so but through access to education. Any country that aims to transform itself into a modern productive player in the global marketplace must get its educational policies right,” the President said.

Education, he said, is key to human development, transforming a country, widening life’s options for individuals and society as a whole, and a tool for national development and a healthy democracy.

President Akufo-Addo said that government was addressing the teething challenges confronting the Free SHS Policy.

He disclosed that procurement processes are currently on-going for the award of contracts for the provision of some 69,500 mono desks, 13,100 bunk beds, furniture for dining halls, staff rooms of teachers, computer laboratories, and marker boards for classrooms.

He also said that funding has been secured for the expansion and upgrading of facilities in 75 senior high schools across the country with construction works on the existing Community Day Schools ongoing. ‘Government, beginning this year, will also upgrade 42 senior high schools into model school status,’ he added.

 

Source: GNA