Nifa and Asesewa Senior High Schools emerged winners in a debate centered on quality education held to commemorate AU Day of the African Child.
Five (5) Senior High Schools in the Eastern region that participated were Yilo Krobo SHS, Asesewa, Manya Krobo, Nifa, and Mangoase Senior High Schools. The participants were members of the Girls Making Media Group formed by Plan International Ghana.
The debate organized by Plan International Ghana was on the topic “Every Child benefits fully from Quality Education in Ghana. A reality or Mirage”
The students who believe quality education is a mirage advanced their arguments on the premise of infrastructural challenges, inadequate furniture, inadequate teaching, and learning materials, a double-track system that has affected contact hours, overcrowding in classrooms and dormitories, and teachers poor attitude towards teaching due to increased workload and absent of motivation.
This position was however disputed by opposing schools who believe despite the teething challenges listed by their opponents; Free Senior High School Policy has increased access to quality education for all Ghanaian children.
They stated further that, the government is gradually addressing the challenges with the provision of textbooks, infrastructural expansions, posting of more graduate teachers among others. They also expounded that, WiFi connectivity in Senior High Schools is a key step by the government to enhance quality education.
While Nifa SHS won group one, Asesewa SHS also emerged winners in the group two debates held simultaneously. Certificates of Participation and trophy were given to the participants and winners.
The Eastern Regional Unit Manager of Plan International Ghana, Kofi Adade Debrah, lauded free Senior High School Policy stating that it has improved access and equality.
He however called on the government to hold stakeholder engagement to review the policy and address teething challenges that accompanied the policy.
Source: Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
