Spokesperson for Dr. Adutwum Alleges Administrative Turf War Compromising Free SHS Program

A spokesperson for Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum has alleged that a 'turf war' between the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES) is undermining the stability of the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) program. The core of the disagreement reportedly involves the admission figures for approximately 60,000 students, a discrepancy that has caused significant delays in the release of essential funds to secondary schools across the country. This administrative deadlock is leaving many school heads unable to meet basic operational costs, creating a burgeoning crisis in the education sector.

The consequences of these funding delays are already being felt on the ground, with reports emerging that schools have ceased providing certain items previously covered by the government. Specifically, uniforms and housedresses—which were designed to be free under the policy—are allegedly being sold to parents by some institutions. The spokesperson described these sales as a 'silent protest' from school administrators who are struggling to keep their doors open in the face of inadequate financial support. The shift from free provision to direct sales marks a significant departure from the established norms of the Free SHS initiative.

There are growing concerns that if the impasse between the Ministry and the GES is not resolved promptly, the situation could escalate to widespread school closures. The spokesperson warned that the current lack of coordination is pushing the educational system toward a breaking point. As the government navigates these administrative challenges, the priority remains ensuring that the 60,000 students at the heart of the dispute, and their peers nationwide, do not suffer further academic or financial disruptions due to internal governance failures.