Hon. Clement Abas Apaak, MP for Builsa South, has argued that the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) request for the government to release outstanding payments supports John Dramani Mahama and the NDC’s claim that the Free SHS policy is encountering serious implementation challenges.

Hon. Apaak stated that the letter clearly expresses that schools are at their breaking point, making it increasingly difficult for administrators to manage effectively.

According to him, the tone and content of the letter should raise serious concerns for every Ghanaian, especially parents with children in secondary schools.

Apaak lamented that, however, the NPP government and Mahamudu Bawumia appear unconcerned.

“The CHASS letter is dated November 13th, 2024. And my sources make further disclosures, that no headway in resolution has been made to issues CHASS has chronicled. If the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government cared, action could have been taken on issues raised to effect, by now.
“John Dramani Mahama, unlike Mahamudu Bawumia, will not inflate FSHS enrollment figures by over 2.5 million to feign success. And neither will students in our secondary schools be fed unwholesome food under John Dramani Mahama”.
Hon. Clement Abas Apaak

Hon. Apaak further stated that, like many Ghanaians and key stakeholders in the education sector—including CHASS, NAGRAT, EduWatch, IFEST, students, and parents—John Dramani Mahama and the NDC strongly believe the Free SHS (FSHS) policy is a good initiative.

However, they also recognize that its implementation has faced significant challenges under the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia NPP government.

He emphasized that fully aware of these issues and after engaging with stakeholders such as CHASS and NAGRAT, the next NDC government under John Dramani Mahama will take decisive action.

Apaak stated that the Mahama government will abolish the problematic double-track system and restore a stable and predictable academic calendar. “Provide a dedicated and sustainable funding source for quality secondary education by ring-fencing a percentage of our oil proceeds”.

Mahama Government to Prioritize Infrastructure, Food Supply in SHS

Furthermore, Hon. Clement Apaak stated that the next NDC government under John Mahama will launch an urgent infrastructure initiative to complete the abandoned E-blocks.

The government will also focus on expanding infrastructure in existing Senior High Schools (SHSs) and TVET institutions according to the MP.

Additionally, he indicated that a Mahama government will decentralize the procurement of food and other essential supplies, ensuring a timely and reliable food supply.

According to Apaak, this effort aims to improve both the quantity and quality of food provided to students.

“ [Mahama’s government will] Extend FSHS to cover students in private Senior High Schools; Integrate the operations of the Free SHS Secretariat into the Ghana Education Service (GES) to efficiently implement the policy;
“Reform secondary education curricula to integrate STEM, agriculture, vocational skills, digital literacy, civic education, design thinking, and life skills into secondary educational outcomes; Introduce specialized Artificial Intelligence labs in selected secondary schools across the sixteen regions”.
Hon. Clement Abas Apaak

He stated that the NDC government will maintain its policy of providing free laptops and tablets to SHS students.

The government will also forge partnerships to improve the delivery of secondary education, including revitalizing the role of Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) and alumni associations.

He stated that the NDC will strengthen collaborations with religious bodies to better manage mission schools.

According to Apaak, The government will also focus on upgrading existing ICT laboratories and establishing new ones in schools that lack them, to promote digital literacy. “Expand digital libraries to enhance access to global teaching and learning materials for both teachers and learners”.

Apaak further stated that the NDC government will expand Science Resource Centres (SRC) in all regions to support STEM and TVET education.

The government will also review the Computerized School Selection & Placement System (CSSPS) to eliminate corruption and ensure a merit-based placement process.

He noted that a policy will be implemented to upgrade selected secondary schools across all sixteen regions into Grade A institutions.

Additionally, an infrastructure audit will be conducted to identify gaps, with targeted investments aimed at improving access to quality education. “John Dramani Mahama has a proven track record in the area of education and can be trusted to deliver on these promises”.