Free SHS review: Dr. Adutwum clueless - Educationist

Educationist Nii Armah Addy has strongly criticized Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, Education Minister, accusing him of either lacking a basic understanding of the English language or being oblivious to his responsibilities.

Mr. Addy's remarks stemmed from the Minister's interpretation of discussions regarding the implementation of the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy, which has often been misconstrued by the Minister's team as calls for cancellation.

"It appears to me that our Ministry of Education and its officials have a significant issue with the English language; either they misunderstand the language or they are incompetent in managing our education system.

When Ghanaians discuss the implementation of the Free SHS policy and the need for adjustments, he and his team equate the term 'implementation' with 'cancellation'.

They should not deceive us with this political manoeuvre they are attempting," Mr. Addy argued.

Speaking on A1 Radio, a local station in Bolgatanga monitored by Class 91.3 FM, he asserted that no government, current or future, would consider abolishing the Free SHS programme.

"I have stated on numerous occasions, and I emphasize, that this government's stance on our educational system is purely political. They are only interested in scoring political points.

"The notion that they need to legislate it to prevent any future government from scrapping it is false. The Free SHS is protected by our Constitution; Article 25 clearly states this. So, what exactly is the Minister implying here?"

The proposed bill aims to legally establish free and compulsory senior high school education.

Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, discussing the bill, highlighted significant reforms, including the integration of Junior High School (JHS) into the secondary school system to create six years of continuous secondary education.

Another notable change proposed is the removal of the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) as a requirement for secondary school admission, with the BECE solely used for school selection.

-Classfmonline