Assessing The Free Senior High School Policy in The Savelugu Municipality of Northern Ghana: Successes and Challenges

Abstract

This study sought to assess the Free Senior High School (FSHS) Policy in Savelugu Municipality, Northern Ghana in terms of its successes and challenges, using a descriptive survey design. Purposive sampling technique was used to sample fifty-nine (59) Senior High School teachers out of a population of three hundred (300). Data were gathered by the use of a self-made questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. These included means, standard deviation, and Principal Component Analysis (PAC). The findings of the study highlighted both successes and challenges of the policy. The main success was improvement in enrolment and access to secondary education through cost absorption by the government. However, challenges included overcrowding in the classroom, inadequate teaching and learning materials, and delays in funds distributed from the government. The study concludes that while some success was achieved with equal opportunity for widening access, issues such as infrastructure and distribution of resources are critical. In this regard, the study recommends stakeholders, i.e., NGOs in education, donor partners, community members, parent-teacher associations, and alumni of the schools contributing to support the government in the areas of infrastructure, timely distribution of resources by the central government and other equally relevant educational stakeholders. The study gives specific insights into how Ghana’s Free SHS program works in rural areas, outlining significant success factors and shortcomings. By identifying areas for improvement, the policy accords with liberal ideas and contributing to policy reform and Sustainable Development Goal 4.