Dr. John Kwakye, IEA Director of Research
The Director of Research at the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), John Kwakye, wants the Free Senior High School (SHS) programme to be reviewed to allow rich parents to pay for their wards’ fees.
In his view, this could help lessen the fiscal pressure on the government in the wake of the economic challenges facing the country.
“I am not against Free SHS, because human capital creates fiscal capital… but if some people can afford its payment then let them pay or we can even do cost-sharing,” the economist said.
Speaking on the Asaase Radio Breakfast Show, he questioned “why is the government taking care of all these responsibilities? Is it because it wants to be popular? The purse is not limitless.”
“It really makes no sense why the government is so adamant to pay [the fees of the wards of] parents who want to make the payment themselves,” Dr. Kwakye added.
Additionally, he wants the government to seriously consider reviewing the Free SHS programme.
“This government made so many promises to win power, and now that it realises that their implementation is not easy … I really wish the government would take a second look at them,” Dr. Kwakye said.
About The Author
