Emeritus Professor Ernest Aryeetey, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, has called for a targeted approach to the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy, arguing that it should be restructured to benefit students from low-income backgrounds rather than applied universally.
Prof. Aryeetey said while he supports the concept of free access to secondary education, the blanket implementation of the policy is inefficient and unfair.
“I wouldn’t have cancelled it. I would have reformed it,” he said. “I have no issue with Ghanaian children attending SHS for free, but I do take issue with the son or daughter of a Legon Vice Chancellor attending Achimota School for free. It doesn’t make any sense to me.”
He stressed that equity, not just access, should guide education policy. According to Prof. Aryeetey, Ghana’s limited public resources should be directed toward students whose families cannot afford to pay for education, rather than subsidising wealthier households.
“The policy should be focused on those who truly need financial assistance. That would make it more sustainable and impactful,” he added.
His remarks contribute to the ongoing national conversation about reviewing and refining Free SHS to ensure both access and fairness.
