Joyce Mogtari Bawah, spokesperson for the NDC flagbearer John Mahama, has reiterated the NDC’s key policy objectives for Senior High School (SHS) education should the party win the elections and form a government.
She stated that the next NDC government plans to abolish the double-track system to restore a stable academic calendar.
Additionally, Bawah indicated that the NDC intends to extend the Free SHS program to include students attending private Senior High Schools.
“The Next NDC Government will: Provide a dedicated and sustainable funding source for quality secondary education by ring-fencing a percentage of our oil proceeds.
“Embark on an emergency infrastructure drive to complete abandoned E-blocks and expand infrastructure in existing SHSs and TVET institutions”.
Joyce Mogtari Bawah
Furthermore, the NDC stalwart emphasized that the next NDC administration will implement a decentralized approach to the procurement of food and other essential supplies for Senior High Schools.
This measure, Joyce Bawah indicated, aims to ensure that supplies are delivered in a timely manner, reducing delays and shortages, while also enhancing the quality and quantity of meals provided to students to support their well-being and academic performance.
Additionally, she highlighted the party’s plan to integrate the operations of the SHS Secretariat into the Ghana Education Service (GES).
According to Bawah, this integration is intended to streamline management processes and enhance coordination, ensuring that the Free SHS policy is efficiently implemented and monitored to achieve its intended outcomes for students across the country.
She further stated that the next NDC administration will reform the secondary education curriculum to incorporate a comprehensive range of subjects, including STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), agriculture, vocational skills, digital literacy, civic education, design thinking, and essential life skills.
This holistic approach aims to equip students with the knowledge and competencies necessary for the modern economy.
Additionally, Bawah announced plans to introduce specialized Artificial Intelligence (AI) labs in selected secondary schools across all sixteen regions, providing students with hands-on experience and exposure to cutting-edge technology and innovation.
NDC Commits to Digital Learning
Furthermore, Joyce Mogtari Bawah pledged that the NDC will continue its policy of providing free laptops and tablets to Senior High School (SHS) students to enhance digital learning and ensure that every student has access to modern educational resources.
Bawah also emphasized the party’s commitment to forging strategic partnerships to improve the delivery of secondary education.
According to her, this includes revitalizing the role of Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) and alumni associations to actively engage them in school management and decision-making processes.
Bawah indicated that this will promote a collaborative approach aimed at improving the quality of education and student performance.
“The Next NDC Government will: Strengthen government partnerships with religious bodies in managing mission schools; Uncap and stop the collateralisation of the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) to free up resources to pursue its core purpose of funding education.
“Upgrade existing ICT laboratories and establish new ones in schools to promote digital literacy; Expand digital libraries to enhance access to global teaching and learning materials for both teachers and learners”.
Joyce Mogtari Bawah
Bawah stated that the next NDC administration will expand Science Resource Centres (SRCs) across all regions to strengthen and support STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs.
Additionally, she mentioned that the party plans to review the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) to eliminate corruption in the school placement process, ensuring it is transparent and merit-based.
The NDC stalwart further stated that the party will implement a policy to upgrade selected Senior High Schools (SHSs) across all sixteen regions into Grade A institutions, elevating their standards and resources.
Bawah also highlighted plans to conduct a comprehensive infrastructural audit of SHSs to identify existing gaps.
Accordingly, she emphasized that based on the findings, the NDC will invest strategically in targeted infrastructure projects to improve both access to and the quality of education nationwide.
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