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 set to be presented to Parliament when the House reconvenes on December 16.
NAGRAT argues that the bill, among other issues, has not gone through sufficient consultation with relevant stakeholders.
The proposed legislation, drafted by the Ministry of Education, aims to provide a legal framework for the implementation of the Free SHS programme.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra, NAGRAT President Angel Carbonu stressed the importance of broader stakeholder engagement, urging that the bill undergoes thorough consultation before it is reconsidered in the next Parliament.
“When you hear the title ‘Free Senior High School Education’, you might assume it addresses the cost of Free SHS, but there are issues in this document that go far beyond just the government’s provision of Free Senior High School education,” Mr Carbonu explained.
He also raised concerns about parliament passing laws during its final sittings, describing it as “morally wrong.”
He suggested that the current parliament should allow the incoming one to review the bill, enabling a more thoughtful and in-depth discussion with stakeholders before it is passed into law.
Additionally, Mr Carbonu called for a more targeted approach to the future implementation of President-elect John Mahama’s tuition-free proposal for first-year university students, given the financial constraints facing the country. “Money is not available in our country, and we need to spend it prudently,” he concluded.