He believes there is no reason to keep feeding schoolchildren for close to 1.5 billion pounds when some of them are not in need and can afford to eat on their own.
On the Ghana Tonight Show with Alfred Ocansey on TV3 on Wednesday, August 17, Mr. Asare made these remarks in response to the Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, who had claimed that the President would not cancel the program.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is dedicated to the implementation of the free Senior High School (SHS) initiative, according to Dr. Adutwum.
He claimed that by repealing the policy, the chance that the program has provided to underprivileged children in Ghana will not be taken away from them.
Some of us who have been fortunate view the topic of free senior high school from various angles. Look at the chance this has given them when you visit my communities in Bosomtwe.
"They are tense because they believe that the chance will be taken from them. The Bosomtwe lawmaker also said to Alfred Ocansey on the Ghana Tonight program, "I want to tell the people of this nation that their opportunity will not be taken away from them; the president is totally committed to the implementation of free SHS.
Mr. Kofi Aare responded to the president's remarks by saying, "His Excellency the President made the point two weeks ago that the free SHS policy is not going to be cancelled, but he did not say it wasn't going to be reviewed. I believed that his remarks should have addressed the topic of review because nobody has suggested that it should be canceled.
"The free SHS is a political pledge; it is not your regular education program or the free, universal, and obligatory basic education policy.
It is a policy that the executive branch, not the ministry of education, is responsible for. Every revision of that program must therefore come from the Presidency, and only the President has the authority to make such edict. I can therefore understand why the Minister is helpless, despite the fact that I am confident that, as a seasoned educator who has been exposed to international standards, the Minister will concur with us that, given the situation we are in, the best use of our limited resources is not to spend nearly 1.5 billion feeding children, some of whom are not poor.
Based on the request that the Presby Church made to him last Sunday in Abetifi, "We can only hope that His Excellency will evaluate some of the items that government is funding."
For example, the Presbyterian Church of Ghana urged the government to cover some of the expenses because "a number" of parents were prepared and eager to help with their children's education.
Despite applauding President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for his determination to uphold the Programme despite an impending bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Church claimed it is obvious there are enormous budget deficits, making it difficult for government to meet all Programme requirements.
"Your Excellency, the Presbyterian Church of Ghana is strongly of the opinion that the state can shed off some of these costs for those who are capable of bearing them to do so because there are several parents who are capable and willing to contribute to the education of their children," the statement reads.
This was said in a statement made following the Church's 22nd General Assembly.
The 22nd General Assembly, with the theme "Christ in you, the Hope of Glory," took place from Wednesday, August 10, through Sunday, August 14.
Corruption, economic hardship, perceived injustice in the courts, and other perceived or actual inadequacies in the operation of the state were among the concerns highlighted by the Church.
It was gushing with appreciation for the administration for implementing the Free SHS and other pro-poor policies.
"It is undoubtedly commendable that the government has sacrificed many developmental needs to make sure that every child, regardless of family income, may afford secondary education."
It reaffirmed its dedication to the nation's progress.
The General Assembly pledged that "The Presbyterian Church of Ghana is committed to contributing its quota to the development of the nation."
"We decide to work with the government to fulfill the goals that our people share.
We promise to provide every worthwhile endeavor aimed at fostering national peace, stability, and prosperity our full support.
.jpeg)
