M4C Regional Anchor Criticizes Free Education Policies Amid Economic Challenges

The Bono Regional Anchor for the Movement for Change (M4C), Mr Kwadwo Owusu Ansah, has voiced concerns about the ongoing Free Senior High School (Free SHS) program implemented by the NPP and the NDC’s promise to waive academic fees for first-year tertiary students.

While acknowledging that both policies benefit Ghanaian youth, he stressed that they are of little value if the economy remains in poor condition.

Speaking to a section of the media, Mr Owusu Ansah argued that free education initiatives, such as free academic fees for first-year students in public universities, lose their significance when graduates face unemployment and lack the necessary support to create jobs for themselves.

He questioned the effectiveness of the Free academic fees for first-year students in public universities if schools fail to mold students into productive members of society or future leaders capable of driving change.

He further emphasized that a leader should focus on creating a stable economic environment where parents can secure sustainable employment and income, enabling them to fulfil their responsibilities, including paying school fees, rather than relying on unsustainable freebies.

Mr Owusu Ansah shared these views in response to the NDC’s recent pledge to eliminate academic fees for first-year students in public universities, a policy that the opposition party claims is part of a broader set of educational reforms.

He insisted that if inflation is controlled, the economy is resilient, and citizens have well-paying jobs, the issue of school fees would not burden parents.

He urged the government to prioritize fixing the economy, creating jobs, and reducing inflation, which he believes would eliminate the need for free education policies.