NPP presidential candidate and Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has accused former President John Dramani Mahama of being unsympathetic to the needs of underprivileged families, citing his staunch opposition to the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy.
Speaking to supporters in the Ahafo Ano South Constituency during the conclusion of his Ashanti Regional tour, Dr. Bawumia emphasized the transformative impact of the Free SHS initiative, which he credited to the Akufo-Addo-led administration’s vision for equitable education.
Dr. Bawumia recalled Mr. Mahama’s past skepticism about the feasibility of Free SHS, stating:
“When we promised Ghanaians Free SHS, the former President said it was impossible, calling it ‘419.’ He even remarked that if he had 2 billion cedis, he would not invest it in Free SHS. But we proved it could be done.”
Highlighting the policy’s achievements, Dr. Bawumia revealed that 5.7 million students have benefited from Free SHS since its implementation eight years ago, ensuring that children from low-income families have access to education without the burden of tuition fees.
“If we had listened to former President Mahama, Free SHS would not exist, and millions of children would have been denied this opportunity,” he asserted.
Dr. Bawumia further contrasted the current administration’s commitment to education with Mr. Mahama’s tenure as President:
“During Mahama’s presidency, schools lacked basic resources like chalk. Today, we are equipping students and teachers from Kindergarten to SHS with computers, fostering digital literacy across the board.”
The Vice President’s remarks underscore his campaign’s focus on education and the broader social impact of the NPP’s policies, framing them as essential tools for bridging the gap between rich and poor households in Ghana.
As the 2024 elections approach, Dr. Bawumia urged Ghanaians to reflect on the achievements of the Free SHS policy and consider its profound implications for the nation’s future.
