Hot!
Free SHS in its current state is a disservice – Prof. Addae-Mensah

- /home/u249204778/domains/spectator.com.gh/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 27
https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/free-shs-1.jpg&description=Free SHS in its current state is a disservice – Prof. Addae-Mensah', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
- Share
- Tweet /home/u249204778/domains/spectator.com.gh/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 72
https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/free-shs-1.jpg&description=Free SHS in its current state is a disservice – Prof. Addae-Mensah', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
A former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor Ivan Addae-Mensah, says the Free senior high school (SHS) programme in its current state is a disservice to the country.
According to Prof. Addae-Mensah, one of government’s flagship programmes is draining the economy, making it ineffective.
Speaking to JoyNews’ Benjamin Akakpo on the AM Show, Prof Addae-Mensah revealed that in 2012 and 2016, he informed the governing party of the shortcomings of its policy.
However, he said his ideas were described as “incompatible with the President’s objective.”
But presently, he feels vindicated as “some of those people who thought what I was saying was too far-fetched are not the same people singing the song I have been singing.”
Last week, conversations on Free SHS arose when government announced a review of its flagship programmes.
The Free SHS programme was a major campaign promise by then-candidate Nana Akufo-Addo in 2016, which has subsequently become an essential part of the educational system.
There are calls for the gramme to be reviewed because it is not sustainable as it has become a drain on government’s budget even with the economy in crisis.
Meanwhile, Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has assured of government’s commitment to not “rollback” its flagship Free Senior High School (SHS) programme.
This was after Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah revealed that all 16 flagship programmes of government will soon be reviewed to ensure their objectives are well achieved.
To remedy the deficiency, the former Vice-Chancellor advised government to “let those who can afford pay and whatever they contribute will go a long way in helping those who truly need help.
“I don’t know why if I was in a position to send children to school, I don’t see any reason government should pay for the food my child or grandchild should eat in the boarding school.”
Professor Addae-Mensah added his voice to the numerous calls urging government to allow the well-to-do in society to cater for the wards tuition.
Political Scientist at the University of Ghana, Professor Ransford Gyampo, Economist and Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission, Professor Stephen Adei, urging the government to consider a review of its flagship Free SHS policy.
Source: www.myjoyonline.com
Hot!
Justin Kodua Frimpong files nomination to seek re-election as NPP General Secretary

General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Kodua Frimpong, has filed his nomination to contest the position of General Secretary again as the party begins its rebuilding efforts ahead of the 2028 general elections.
He was accompanied by party stalwarts and supporters who were in high spirits, expressing confidence that he is the right person to hold the position.
Speaking after filing his nomination, Mr Kodua Frimpong assured the rank and file of the party that he would not disappoint them.
“I can assure you that the faith the rank and file of the party have had in me, I will never disappoint them,” he said.
He also pledged to run a clean campaign devoid of personal attacks.
“I can assure you that our internal campaign will be devoid of personal attacks,” he told his fellow contestants and the rank and file of the party as he seeks to retain his position.
His tenure has seen the party through the 2024 general elections, where the NPP lost power to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) after eight years in government.
The party is currently in a rebuilding phase, with internal elections scheduled to elect new national executives to lead its reorganization towards the 2028 polls.
The General Secretary position is considered one of the most influential in the party’s administrative structure, responsible for the day-to-day running of the party secretariat and implementation of party decisions.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Hot!
UGMC disputes Michael Blackson’s claims over late mother’s treatment

The University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) has disputed claims made on social media by comedian Michael Blackson concerning the treatment given to his late mother, saying a review found that the allegations did not accurately reflect what happened during her stay at the hospital.
In a statement issued in Accra on August 5, 2026, the management of UGMC expressed condolences to Mr. Blackson and his family over the death of his 83-year-old mother, who died at the facility on July 16, 2026.
The hospital said it had taken the concerns raised by Mr. Blackson seriously and conducted a thorough review in line with its clinical and administrative procedures.
According to the statement, the facts presented by Mr. Blackson on social media contained “numerous inaccuracies” and did not accurately reflect the medical care provided to his mother.
UGMC explained that she was referred to the facility from another hospital and received treatment there from May 27 to July 16, 2026, a period of about eight weeks.
The hospital stated that it would not release details of her diagnosis, treatment, medical records or other aspects of her care because it had a duty to protect patient confidentiality, even after death.
It said the decision was intended to respect the dignity of the deceased and the privacy of her family.
UGMC further stated that all clinical decisions at the facility are made by qualified healthcare professionals based on medical judgment, established standards of care and the best interests of the patient.
The statement added that such decisions are made in consultation with authorised family representatives where necessary and that billing and financial procedures are governed by institutional policies and are separate from clinical decision-making.
The hospital noted that it values feedback from patients and their families and considers both positive and negative comments important for improving the quality of care.
Mr. Blackson had earlier used social media to criticise the care his mother received at UGMC, prompting the hospital’s response.
By: Jacob Aggrey




