Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Ajumako Esiam Enyan Constituency has categorically denied allegations suggesting the Minority Caucus in Parliament opposition to a proposed Free Senior High School Bill.
The National Democratic Congress leader in Parliament, in a statement rebutting the allegations, strongly asserted that there is currently no such bill before Parliament, adding that the National Democratic Congress Minority Caucus in Parliament cannot oppose legislation that does not exist.
The Minority Leader, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, while touting the National Democratic Congress’s commitment to the country’s education and development, highlighted the party’s foundational role in the establishment of free secondary education in the country.
He asserted that it was the National Democratic Congress that birthed the 1992 Constitution which provided the legal framework for the introduction of Free Secondary Education in Ghana, making it erroneous for anyone to suggest it opposes the introduction of a bill that seeks to formalize or legalize free education in the country.
The constitutional provision birthed by the National Democratic Congress administration under the late former President, Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings according to the Ajumako Esiam Enyan legislator laid the groundwork for subsequent educational policies aimed at broadening access to secondary education in the country.
Further underscoring the National Democratic Congress’s commitment to free education in the country, the former Deputy Minister of Finance under the erstwhile Mahama’s administration recounted the party’s efforts in initiating the Free Senior High School program in the country.
“It was the NDC that commenced the implementation of the Free SHS program in 2015 for all-day students in public senior high schools, totalling over 320,000, with a clear plan to expand coverage to include 120,000 boarding students by 2017”.
Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, Minority Leader and Member of Parliament Ajumako Esiam Enyan Constituency
This phased approach Dr Ato Forson noted was designed to ensure a sustainable rollout of the program, with a keen focus on both day and boarding students in all the public secondary schools across the country.
NDC to Improve and Sustain Free SHS Program
Stating the National Democratic Congress’s current stance on the Free Senior High School program, the Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson reiterated the party’s commitment to improving and sustaining the initiative.
He emphasized that the position of the opposition National Democratic Congress on the Free Senior High School program, as publicly communicated by the party’s flagbearer and leader, former President John Dramani Mahama is to improve the implementation of the program and address the challenges bedeviling it through a consultative approach when its assume power in 2025.
This, he recounted indicates a strategic shift towards enhancing the quality and efficiency of the program, ensuring it meets the educational needs of Ghanaian students more effectively.
The Minority Leader, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson concluded by reaffirming the National Democratic Congress’s commitment to not only be supportive of the Free Senior High School program but to also be proactive in seeking its betterment.
He emphasized that the National Democratic Congress Minority Caucus in Parliament under his leadership will support any legislation or effort aimed at making the Free Senior High School program better and sustainable.
Dr Cassiel Ato Forson therefore dispelled any misconceptions about the party’s stance on the Free Senior High School program, highlighting its commitment to educational advancement.
He added that the opposition party remains dedicated to collaborating on initiatives that enhance the Free SHS program, ensuring it benefits all Ghanaian students.
The Majority Leader in Parliament, Honorable Alexander Afenyo-Markin, in an earlier statement hinted at the government’s introduction of a Free Senior High School.
The Effutu Member of Parliament further indicated that a finalised bill is ready for presentation by the Education Minister, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum to prevent any government from attempting to abort the policy.
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