The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC), Rashid Tanko-Computer, has sparked debate after stating that Senior High School (SHS) students in Ghana are being “pampered.”

Speaking on the state of education and youth development, Mr. Tanko-Computer argued that while the government continues to invest heavily in improving access to secondary education, there is a growing need to balance support with discipline and responsibility.

According to him, the extensive interventions under the Free SHS policy — including tuition coverage, feeding, accommodation and learning materials — have significantly reduced the burden on parents and expanded access.

However, he cautioned that students must not take these opportunities for granted.

He stressed that while social interventions are necessary to promote equity and inclusion, students must cultivate discipline, respect and a strong academic focus to justify the investment being made in their future.

Mr. Tanko-Computer further noted that technology-driven initiatives being rolled out across schools, including ICT infrastructure expansion and digital learning platforms, are intended to equip students with competitive skills for the modern economy.

He urged beneficiaries to take full advantage of these opportunities rather than becoming complacent.

His comments have generated mixed reactions, with some agreeing that students must demonstrate greater responsibility, while others argue that improving learning conditions should not be equated with pampering.

The GIFEC CEO maintained that national development depends not only on access to education but also on the attitude and commitment of students toward excellence and innovation.