Economist Calls for Targeted Approach to Free SHS Policy

The immediate past Director of the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), Professor Peter Quartey, has warned that the current structure of the Free Senior High School policy may not be financially sustainable if it continues in its existing form.

According to Professor Quartey, the policy in its present “free-for-all” arrangement places a significant strain on the country’s finances because it provides full support to all students, regardless of whether their families have the means to pay.

He explained that under the current model, the government absorbs the cost of boarding, feeding, uniforms and other essential expenses for every beneficiary. While the policy has improved access to secondary education across the country, he believes extending identical benefits to all students has placed immense pressure on limited national resources.

Professor Quartey also pointed out that part of the funding for the programme depends on revenue streams that can fluctuate over time, including allocations tied to the Petroleum Revenue Management Act. Such reliance on variable funding sources, he cautioned, could expose the policy to long-term financial risks if not carefully reviewed.

The economist made these remarks during a public lecture organised as part of activities marking the 70th anniversary celebration of Wesley Grammar School.

He used the platform to advocate a review of the policy’s structure, proposing a more targeted system that focuses government support on students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.

According to him, a means-tested approach would allow the state to concentrate resources on learners who genuinely require assistance while enabling families with the capacity to contribute toward the cost of their children’s education.

“We have not quite gotten the design right,” he stated. “The idea that everyone should benefit equally, including those who can comfortably afford to pay, creates financial challenges.”

Professor Quartey suggested that a scholarship-based model for students who cannot afford secondary education would be a more sustainable option.

He stressed that such a reform would preserve access to education for vulnerable students while easing the fiscal pressure on the state and ensuring the long-term viability of the policy.