Dr. Gideon Boako Urges Government to Fund Free SHS via Domestic Revenue, Not Loans

Dr. Gideon Boako, the Deputy Ranking Member on Parliament’s Finance Committee, has called for a significant shift in how Ghana’s flagship Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy is financed. Speaking during a recent parliamentary session, Dr. Boako emphasized that the program's long-term sustainability hinges on the government's ability to utilize domestic revenue instead of relying on borrowed funds. He argued that securing internal funding is essential to maintaining the integrity of the educational initiative without further escalating the national debt.

During his address, Dr. Boako directed specific inquiries to the Finance Minister regarding the government's efforts to mobilize local revenue for the education sector. He raised concerns about the current administration's reliance on loans to keep the Free SHS program operational, contrasting this approach with that of the previous administration. According to Dr. Boako, the earlier stages of the policy’s implementation did not resort to such heavy borrowing, suggesting that a more disciplined fiscal approach to education funding was previously possible and should be reinstated.

Dr. Boako’s critique focuses on the necessity of prioritizing education within the national budget through sustainable revenue streams. He insisted that improving domestic revenue mobilization is the most viable path to ensuring that the Free SHS program continues to benefit Ghanaian students without being subject to the volatility of external credit markets. By anchoring the program's costs in local wealth generation, he believes the government can provide a more stable foundation for the nation's youth and human capital development.

As the debate over the financing of social interventions continues in Parliament, Dr. Boako’s calls highlight broader economic concerns regarding debt management and fiscal independence. The outcome of this discussion is expected to influence future budgetary decisions and the government’s strategy for funding essential public services. Ensuring the sustainability of the Free SHS policy remains a critical priority for stakeholders across the political spectrum as Ghana seeks to balance educational access with fiscal responsibility.