Editorial
Free SHS does not mean free parenting
Dear Editor,
I was concerned by a point raised during a radio review about the growing expectation among some parents that once their children attend government schools, particularly under the Free SHS programme, the government must provide virtually everything they need.
This mindset deserves serious public discussion.
The introduction of Free SHS has undoubtedly lifted a significant financial burden from parents. Government is already absorbing substantial costs associated with the education of thousands of Ghanaian children. Students in public second-cycle institutions also benefit from provisions such as tuition support, meals and other essential services.
However, Free SHS should not be interpreted as free parenting. A parent should not expect the government to provide every personal item a child needs simply because the child attends a public school. Items such as mattresses, sponges, toiletries, clothing, chop boxes and other personal necessities should, where possible, remain part of the parent’s responsibility.
The same principle applies at the basic-school level. Government has a responsibility to provide quality education and create an enabling environment for children to learn. Parents, however, have an equally important responsibility to support their children’s education and welfare.
Government cannot and should not replace the family. When parents gradually transfer every responsibility to the state, we risk creating a culture of dependency in which citizens expect government to solve every personal problem. That is neither sustainable nor healthy for our development as a nation.
We must therefore appreciate the support government provides while recognising that education is a shared responsibility. Parents must continue to contribute according to their means, schools must do their part, and government must continue providing the necessary educational infrastructure and support. Rather than asking, “What else will government give us?” parents should also ask, “What can I do to support my child’s education?”
Free education is a public investment, not an invitation for parents to abandon their responsibilities. Ghanaians must therefore change the mentality that government must provide everything. The state can carry a significant portion of the burden, but the family must never surrender its responsibility.
Free SHS should make education more accessible not make parenting optional.
From Desmond Aidoo
Sowutuom
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Dear Editor,
I wish to draw the attention of the relevant authorities to the poor state of the railway crossing area of the Neoplan Station, near Kwame Nkrumah Circle in Accra, which is increasingly disrupting the smooth flow of traffic.
The damaged section of the road has become a major inconvenience to motorists, as vehicles are forced to slow down considerably when approaching the crossing to avoid damaging their tyres, wheels and suspension systems.
This situation causes unnecessary delays, particularly during peak hours when traffic volumes are high.
The crossing is an important route for commuters and commercial drivers who use the Circle area to connect to other parts of the capital.
The deteriorating road surface therefore affects not only individual motorists but also the general movement of vehicles through this busy transport hub.
Beyond the inconvenience, the situation could increase the risk of minor accidents as drivers brake suddenly or attempt to manoeuvre around damaged portions of the road.
I respectfully appeal to the Department of Urban Roads, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly and other relevant agencies to inspect the affected section and undertake urgent repairs to restore the smooth movement of traffic.
Timely intervention will reduce delays, improve road safety and make commuting through the Circle area more convenient.
Yours faithfully,
Concerned Citizen
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Dear Editor,
I wish to draw the attention of the authorities and the general public to the increasing cost of hostel accommodation, particularly for students in tertiary institutions.
The high cost of hostels has become a serious challenge for many students and their parents.
In some areas, hostel fees have increased significantly, making it difficult for students from low- and middle-income families to secure decent accommodation.
Apart from the hostel fees, students also have to pay for transportation, food, learning materials and other academic needs.
The rising cost of accommodation therefore puts additional financial pressure on families and, in some cases, forces students to live in overcrowded or poorly maintained facilities.
I believe hostel owners and relevant authorities must work together to ensure that accommodation remains affordable while maintaining acceptable standards.
Tertiary institutions should also consider expanding student accommodation and encouraging affordable private hostel projects.
The government and local authorities could further support the development of low-cost student accommodation through appropriate policies and incentives.
I therefore appeal to the Ministry of Education, tertiary institutions and other stakeholders to treat the issue as a matter of urgency.
Affordable and decent accommodation is essential to creating a conducive environment for students to study and succeed.
This has in a way also empowered the private people in the accommodation sector to take undue advantage of the situation to charge exorbitant rates for their services.
Kwame Ampiaw,
Accra
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