The Running Mate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2024 general elections, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, has assured Ghanaians that the Free Secondary Education Policy will not be abolished when the party returns to power.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang, in a compelling statement, emphasized the commitment of the National Democratic Congress to the Free SHS policy, urging Ghanaians to dismiss the government’s propaganda suggesting otherwise.

The former Minister of Education under the erstwhile Mahama’s administration, refuted claims that a future National Democratic Congress government would cancel the free senior high school policy.

“They are going around peddling falsehood that Mahama will cancel Free SHS. It is not true. Mahama is not a wicked person to cancel the free senior high policy”.
Prof. Jane Naana Opoku- Agyemang, Running Mate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC),

Professor Opoku-Agyemang further explained that the policy, which began as a progressively free education initiative under the erstwhile Mahama’s administration, would not only be continued but also enhanced by the next National Democratic Congress administration.

NDC’s Vision and Plans to Improve Free SHS

Highlighting the opposition party’s plans and vision to improve upon the free senior high school policy when elected into power, Professor Opoku-Agyemang highlighted several areas where improvements would be made to ensure the policy’s effectiveness and sustainability.

One of the primary focus areas according to her would be addressing the issue of congestion in schools.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang strongly posited that the next National Democratic Congress administration intends to implement measures to reduce overcrowding in classrooms, ensuring a more conducive learning environment for students.

This, she noted includes the construction of additional school facilities and expansion of existing infrastructure to accommodate the increasing number of students.

Moreover, the 2024 running mate for the opposition National Democratic Congress recounted the party’s commitment to providing essential learning materials to all Ghanaian students.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang emphasized the importance of equipping students with the necessary tools for effective learning, stating that the provision of textbooks, stationery, and other educational resources will be prioritized to enhance the quality of education.

In addition to improving learning conditions, the former first female Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast announced the opposition party’s plans to address issues related to student welfare.

Here, Professor Opoku-Agyemang emphasized that an adequate food supply for students will be a critical area of focus with the party’s plans to ensuring that no student goes hungry while pursuing their education.

She stressed the National Democratic Congress aims to establish a robust feeding program that guarantees nutritious meals for students, thereby supporting their physical and mental well-being.

The opposition National Democratic Congress running mate for the 2024 general election, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang, in conclusion, urged Ghanaians to disregard the current New Patriotic Party’s narrative and trust in the NDC’s vision for the future of education in Ghana.

She reiterated that the National Democratic Congress’s objective is to build on the foundation laid during the erstwhile Mahama administration, making education accessible and beneficial for all Ghanaian children.

In earlier remarks, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minority Leader in Parliament refuted claims made by Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Majority Leader, that the minority caucus is against the Free Senior High School policy bill, describing the accusations as unfounded and misleading.

Dr Forson turned the tables on the Majority Leader’s accusations, revealing that it was Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party, who had openly voiced his disapproval of legislation aimed at regulating the Free Senior High School policy, contrary to the claims of opposition from the minority side