The Minority in Parliament has revealed that government has failed to reimburse over GH₵300 million used in procuring GH₵1.3 million tablets for the “One Student One Laptop” initiative, part of the Free Senior High School (SHS) program.
This unpaid reimbursement is just a part of the overall debt the government owes to companies and individuals involved in the Free SHS program, which totals over GH₵6 billion.
The Minority, through its Ranking Member on the Education Committee of Parliament, Peter Nortsu Kotoe, told the media in parliament on July 17, 2024.
“I can say that the information available to me indicates that over GHC6 billion is being owed to companies, individuals and organisations in relation to Free SHS,” Nortsu said. “You have asked somebody to supply GH¢1.3 million tablets, to cover all students and you’re not paying for it,” he added.
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He added that the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) is being frustrated due to the government’s unpaid debt of GH¢224 million to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).
“Government still owes WAEC, exams will start in August, [but] government has not released any money to WAEC, they owe them a total of GH¢224 million, so WAEC is unable to talk again, we shouldn’t be going on that tangent,” he said.
While the Free SHS policy has increased access to secondary education, the government’s inability to honor its financial obligations raises questions about the program’s sustainability.
