Pass before you enjoy Free SHS - GES

The Public Relations Officer (PRO), for the Ghana Education Service (GES), Rev. Jonathan Bettey has indicated that, one of the things that the management is happy about is the implementation of the Free Senior High School policy.

Speaking to Kwame Tutu on Rainbow Radio 87.5Fm, the PRO said, he believes strongly that has been the major education policy for the country. Rev. Bettey revealed that, GES is always happy whenever the Education Minister hammer on the need for individuals who want to benefit from the Free Senior High School to pass their exams.

He was reacting to comments by Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh that students who fail at the basic education level, will not benefit from the policy as government readies to roll it out.

“Since people want to benefit, they will employ their children to study very hard to pass the exams, because there is still a pass there. It is not how the free will be to enjoy, but you have to pass an exam and indeed to study, so let’s get that one done first.

“If you fail an exam how can you benefit from something free; I am surprised. Even now it’s not everyone that gets the chance to go in even with what they pay because if you fail, you fail. How can somebody who has failed progress.

Even when COCOBOD is giving scholarships, don’t you have to pass to benefit, for those whose children don’t pass, do they get scholarships?” the Minister said. His comments has generated mixed reactions both on social media and in the public.

But the PRO emphasied that, only students who pass their BECE will benefit from the flagship education policy promised by the Nana Addo led administration. He said, the qualification depends on the West African Examination (WAEC) Standard.

‘’The qualification depends on WAEC standard that-If you have written the BECE exam and you pass according to their standard, you should be admitted in a school of your choice…and when you get there, you should benefit from the policy,’’ he told the host. ‘’If you fail, how will they send you to a secondary school,’’ he quizzed.

When asked if his explanation and that of the Minister was not generating controversy, he said, the reportage by some media was turned upside down. He urged the media to change the reportage to save the image of the Minister. When asked if students who fails the BECE but resists and pass may benefit, he stressed that, students who will pass by September will benefit.

''If you don't pass, who will send you to secondary school,'' he quizzed further. ‘’The policy is clear and it is meant for Ghanaian children in public schools and government institutions in the country and come September, those who will qualify will benefit from the policy,’’ he concluded.