The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has accused the incumbent government of neglecting development in Technical Universities that his administration put up before he left office in 2016. He indicated that the NDC intended to upgrade the learning systems used in these technical universities before it was ousted from power in 2016.
He noted that the GETFUND (Ghana Education Trust Fund) which is supposed to be used to address issues as such has been collateralized by the incumbent government. He specified that due to the unavailability of funds provided by the GETFUND, the incumbent government is unable to invest in Technical Universities nationwide.
“I want to assure you that when we come, they have something they call the Capping and Realignment Act based on which they have capped the GETFUND and the National Health Insurance Fund and if they exceed a certain amount, the excess amount goes into the consolidated fund. We are going to remove that fund so that all the monies taken as GETFUND goes into the GETFUND and is used for development on your campuses”.
John Dramani Mahama
Accordingly, John Dramani Mahama noted that 60% of the GETFUND has also been collateralized to create the Dakye Bond which is a seven-year bond. He stated that the bond funds the STEM project that the incumbent government is undertaking in schools nationwide. “When the money comes it goes to pay the debt, it is only 40% that goes into funds, and it’s not enough to meet the demands of all educational institutions” he added.
Furthermore, the NDC Presidential Candidate pledged to upgrade the skill sets of artisans in the country especially those who deal with technology. He indicated that a lot of the machines that are being built in recent times are based on computer technology. He emphasized that training for auto mechanics needs to be upgraded so they can provide servicing for modernized cars.
“Many of the new cars that come, if you don’t have the training to be able to repair it if you touch it, you will damage the car and that is why a lot of people are sending their cars to the dealer because they don’t want to risk sending it to garages and something will happen to the car”.
John Dramani Mahama
NDC To Revert Names of Renamed Universities
Also, the NDC flagbearer stated that he would change the names of all the renamed universities to their original names when he assumes office after the 2024 General Elections. He accused the incumbent President of renaming the universities after prominent politicians of the UP (United Party) tradition.
He argued that naming buildings in the universities is acceptable, however, renaming the universities is uncalled for as the name of a university must prominently indicate its core mandate. “All the universities he’s gone around renaming, he didn’t build them; they were built by NDC” he stated.
John Dramani Mahama also appreciated the Ghana Private Roads and Transport Union (GPRTU) for its endorsement of the NDC’s 24-hour economy policy. He indicated that the 24-hour economy is not feasible without an efficient transport system. He emphasized that the GPRTU is the major leader in matters of transport in Ghana hence its endorsement is appreciated.
He also stated that the new NDC administration will cancel the Teacher Licensures Exams. He argued that the Teachers’ licenses should be part of the coursework they undertake at schools so that by the time they complete school, their licenses would be granted in addition to their certificates. He indicated that it is impractical for teachers to pay and schedule dates to take their licensure exams.
“Lack of accommodation for teachers…we said that we are going to make it a policy that, for every school that is built, teachers’ accommodation must be provided alongside the school building. We won’t build classrooms…without accommodation for teachers. One of the disincentives that teachers face in going to rural areas is that they can’t find accommodation”.
John Dramani Mahama
He indicated that commuting from other communities to school as a result of lack of accommodation gives financial burdens to teachers. He assured teachers of his commitment to solving this issue through providing accommodation.
As the NDC gears toward capturing political power through the 2024 General Elections, the flagbearer and other officials of the party continue to push the party’s policies to Ghanaians in the hope that the policies resonate with Ghanaians.
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