The National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) has added its voice to calls for the suspension of discussions on the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) Bill, which is expected to be presented to Parliament when the House reconvenes on December 16.
NAGRAT contends that the bill, among other concerns, lacks sufficient stakeholder consultation.
The proposed legislation, drafted by the Ministry of Education, seeks to provide a legal framework for the Free SHS programme’s implementation.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra, NAGRAT President Angel Carbonu emphasized the need for broader stakeholder engagement, urging that the bill undergo thorough consultation before being reconsidered in the next parliament.
“When you hear the title Free Senior High School Education, you will think they are going to talk about the cost of Free SHS but there are issues in this document that go far beyond just government providing Free Senior High School education.
“It is our view that it is morally wrong for Parliament to be enacting laws at its last sittings and procedures. The current parliament should allow the incoming parliament to peruse whatever bills that are available to have a more thoughtful and in-depth discussion with stakeholders before it is passed to a law that is even if it is necessary”
Carbonu also called for a targeted approach to the future implementation of President-elect, John Mahama’s tuition-free proposal for level 100 university entrants.
“Can we do some targeting rather than the blanket free fee for Senior High School, university, whichever? Money is not available in our country and we need to spend money prudently”, he stated.
