The Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has expressed grave concerns about the state of the education sector in Ghana, which he described as being in an “untold crisis.” He condemned the mismanagement and misplaced priorities of state funds by the Akufo Addo–Bawumia government.
According to him, this crisis mirrors the general mismanagement of the country under the current administration and is a key reason for the outcomes of the December 7 elections.
“A gap of more than 1,600,000 for the presidential. The total massacre in parliament. About two-thirds of the votes go to the NDC side of the aisle. Something that has never happened in the 4th Republic. That itself should tell you. This was a round rejection, a repudiation of the total mismanagement of every sector of our country.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa Member of Parliament for North Tongu
Ablakwa detailed numerous issues plaguing the education sector, citing recent statements by the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS). He revealed;
“CHASS is saying that all recurrent monies owed to schools remain unpaid. CHASS is also saying that arrears for perishable items are yet to be settled. CHASS added that some schools have not yet received funds to cover essential utility bills, posing a serious threat to the smooth operation of schools.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa Member of Parliament for North Tongu
The MP also pointed to the ongoing strike by the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG). He described;
“The CETAG strike has become the longest strike in the Colleges of Education history of our country. Ahead of the elections, they were offered all kinds of promises. And as CETAG is pointing out, those promises have not been kept.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa Member of Parliament for North Tongu
Hon. Ablakwa did not limit his critique to the education sector but expanded to include the energy sector. He revealed that the sector is saddled with a staggering $2.5 billion debt, further demonstrating the administration’s inability to prioritize effectively.
He condemned certain actions by the Akufo Addo-Bawumia government, particularly at a time when the government struggles to address critical issues. He lamented;
“Massive payments are going on. They are paying contractors of their choice—crony contractors. Contracts, some of which are not going through due process. The Mahama side of the transition team has issued a statement condemning what is going on and urging the government to stop it.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa Member of Parliament for North Tongu
Moreover, Ablakwa accused the government of selectively paying certain contractors to do governmental projects while ignoring others, thereby creating discontent within the contractor community.
The MP also criticized the government for proposing tax waivers for certain companies. He emphasized;
“What is the basis for us approving tax waivers above $350 million? This $350 million can help us to resolve this crisis. Why do you want to shield these crony companies and deny the Ghanaian people the opportunity of having revenue from these companies?”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa Member of Parliament for North Tongu
Ablakwa vowed that the Minority in Parliament would resist these waivers to protect the public purse.
The Need for Immediate Action
The MP concluded by emphasizing the urgent need for a mini-budget in January 2025 to prevent a shutdown of government operations.
He noted that the absence of an approved budget could jeopardize essential activities, including the inauguration of the next government.
“From 1st January, all public expenditure—including our meeting to elect a new Speaker and the inauguration of the new government—will require parliamentary approval. That has not been done.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa Member of Parliament for North Tongu
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa’s statements paint a grim picture of the nation’s governance under the current administration.
He called for immediate reforms and a reallocation of resources to address the mounting challenges across sectors, particularly education and energy.
His comments underscore the urgent need for responsible leadership and transparent governance to restore confidence in public administration.
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