The Majority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu Constituency, Honorable Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, has accused the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Minority Caucus in Parliament, of lacking the political will to support the proposed Free Senior High School (SHS) Bill.
According to Honorable Afenyo-Markin, the National Democratic Congress’s stance is evident through their ranking member on education, Honourable Peter Nortsu-Kotoe, the Member of Parliament for Akatsi North Constituency, who, he alleged has publicly opposed the proposed bill.
“The NDC Minority does not want to commit itself to free SHS, and the fact we want to enact a law to make it mandatory. Their spokesperson on Education has been very loud about this opposition. He says he is opposed to the bill because there is some provision in the constitution.”
Honorable Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, Majority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu Constituency
The Effutu lawmaker, Honourable Afenyo-Markin further explained that the provisions in the constitution regarding free SHS are aspirational and, therefore, not enforceable in their current state.
He strongly asserted that the best way to protect the free senior high school policy is to enact a law to regulate it.
Call to Action
In a fervent call to action, the New Patriotic Party Majority Leader in Parliament, Honorable Alexander Kwamena Afenyo Markin challenged the National Democratic Congress Minority Caucus in Parliament to clarify its position on the proposed free senior high school bill to Ghanaians.
He underscored the critical need for the opposition National Democratic Congress to make its official position on the proposed free senior high school bill, questioning whether free SHS is not a priority for them as a responsible opposition.
This accusation comes at a time when the Free SHS policy remains a cornerstone of the current government’s educational agenda, aiming to provide accessible education to all Ghanaian children.
The push to enact a law making the policy mandatory according to the Majority Leader, Honorable Afenyo Markin is to solidify and protect the initiative for future generations.
Meanwhile, in an earlier statement, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Ajumako Esiam Enyan Constituency 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 Free SHS policy was introduced by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government in 2017, aiming to eliminate the financial barriers that prevent many Ghanaian children from accessing secondary education.
While the policy has been widely lauded for increasing enrollment, it has also faced criticism regarding its sustainability and implementation challenges.
The opposition National Democratic Congress has argued that while free education is a noble goal, it must be approached with a realistic and sustainable plan, considering the country’s financial constraints.
The opposition party’s flagbearer and leader, former President John Dramani Mahama has underscored his commitment to improve the implementation of the program and address the challenges bedevilling it through a consultative approach when he assumes power in 2025.
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