EduWatch Urges Parliament to Delay Free SHS Bill, Calls for Inclusive Policy-Making

Dec 13, 2024 - 21:27

Africa Education Watch (EduWatch) is urging Ghana's Parliament to put the brakes on the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) Bill until all relevant stakeholders have a say. The think tank is worried that the government's plan to introduce the Bill on December 16 doesn't allow for enough input from key players.

At the heart of the controversy is the lack of stakeholder engagement in the formulation of the Bill.

In a statement released on December 13, EduWatch notes that comprehensive consultations with key stakeholders, including education experts, civil society organizations, and parent-teacher associations, are essential to ensure that the Bill reflects a broad consensus.

“We call on Parliament to defer deliberations on the Bill until consultations are held. In the spirit of inclusive policy governance, we urge the Minister of Education to convene stakeholder consultative meetings and engage education Civil Society Organisations, Development Partners, parents, and teachers, on the Bill,'' portions of the statement read.

Find the statement below.