EDUCATION, POLICY, AND POLITICS: EXAMINING THE LINK BETWEEN FREE SHS AND YOUTH VOTING PATTERNS IN GHANA
By Angela Nana Adjei, Kwame Yaw Mensah
Research Article
EDUCATION, POLICY, AND POLITICS: EXAMINING THE LINK BETWEEN FREE SHS AND YOUTH VOTING PATTERNS IN GHANA
ISSN: 3067-4417
DOI Prefix: 10.5281/zenodo.
Abstract
The introduction of the FSHS policy has been pivotal in shifting the educational landscape for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Through a comprehensive analysis of student feedback, the research identifies that a significant portion of students perceive the policy as a breakthrough, facilitating not only their academic engagement but also participation in extracurricular activities. However, the study also uncovers persistent concerns regarding the policy's sustainability, with issues such as overcrowded classrooms and unequal distribution of resources raising questions about the long-term viability of the initiative. Furthermore, the findings reveal that students' perceptions of the FSHS policy significantly influence their political affiliations, with many expressing supports for the ruling party due to the perceived benefits of the policy. Conversely, a notable segment of students remains skeptical, suggesting that the policy is politically motivated than genuinely aimed at addressing systemic educational challenges. The study underscores the importance of ongoing evaluation and reform to ensure the FSHS policy meets its intended goals of improving educational access and quality while maintaining equitable resource allocation. The implications of these findings contribute to the broader discourse on education policy and its intersection with political dynamics in Ghana.