The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential Candidate, John Dramani Mahama, has delivered a pointed critique of President Nana Akufo-Addo during his campaign tour in the Greater Accra Region.
Addressing supporters in the Ningo Prampram Constituency on Thursday, October 17, 2024, Mahama did not hold back in responding to President Nana Akufo-Addo’s recent remarks about his stance on the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy.
In a swift response, Mahama criticized Akufo-Addo, implying that the president may not have been paying attention to his prior statements.
“When you stop sleeping, you’ll hear clearly my position on Free SHS,” Mahama stated, alluding to the President’s alleged lack of attentiveness. His remarks struck a chord with the NDC supporters, amplifying the political tensions that have characterized the run-up to the election.
The former president took issue with Akufo-Addo’s challenge for him to clarify his stance on the Free SHS programme, which has been a cornerstone of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) education policy.
Earlier, the President had suggested that Mahama’s inconsistent statements regarding the policy cast doubt on his commitment to it. Akufo-Addo questioned whether Mahama, if elected, would maintain or dismantle the Free SHS programme, highlighting the importance of clear policy direction ahead of the elections.
Mahama emphasized that his stance on the Free SHS policy has been clear all along, dismissing any suggestions of ambiguity. Contrary to accusations of opposition to the programme, the NDC presidential candidate reiterated his commitment to improving the implementation of Free SHS, rather than scrapping it altogether.
“I have made it clear that there are implementation problems with the Free SHS because there is no dedicated source of funding,” Mahama explained to the audience. He pointed out that while the programme’s goal of expanding access to secondary education is commendable, its execution has left much to be desired.
According to Mahama, the current Free SHS policy suffers from an unstable funding structure, creating financial strain on the government and making it unsustainable in the long run. He noted that identifying a dedicated funding source would be crucial for the programme’s long-term success.
One of the most controversial aspects of the Free SHS programme under the Akufo-Addo administration has been the introduction of the double-track system. This system, implemented to accommodate the influx of students, has faced criticism from parents and educators alike.
Mahama argued that many parents are dissatisfied with the arrangement, which alternates students between periods of school attendance and vacations to manage overcrowding. If elected, Mahama pledged to abolish the double-track system and find more efficient ways to manage school admissions.
Another major concern raised by Mahama was the quality of food provided to students in the boarding schools under the Free SHS programme. He claimed that many parents have complained about subpar meals being served to their children, affecting their overall well-being.
Mahama promised that an NDC government would address this issue by ensuring higher-quality meals and better welfare for students.
Escalating Political Tensions
The political rivalry between NDC and NPP has intensified in recent months, as both parties vie for the support of Ghanaians ahead of the December general election. The Free SHS debate has become a pivotal issue in the campaign, with both parties presenting contrasting visions for the future of the policy.
The NPP has made Free SHS a hallmark of its administration, framing it as one of his key achievements. Under the NPP’s government, the policy has provided tuition-free secondary education to hundreds of thousands of Ghanaian students, expanding access to education on an unprecedented scale.
The NPP has consistently defended the policy against criticism, arguing that the double-track system and funding challenges are necessary compromises to ensure that no child is left behind.
NDC, on the other hand, has positioned itself as a pragmatic reformer, acknowledging the merits of Free SHS but focusing on the need for structural improvements.
The party’s criticisms of the policy’s implementation align with concerns expressed by some parents, teachers, and educational experts. The party hopes to win over voters who appreciate the broader goal of Free SHS but are frustrated with its current execution.
As the election approaches, the debate over Free SHS is set to remain a crucial battleground in the contest for Ghana’s highest office.
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