Former President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to tackling the issues facing the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy.
During a rally in Binduri, part of the initial phase of his 2024 election campaign in the Upper East Region, Mahama emphasized that he had no intention of canceling the policy. Instead, he vowed to enhance its implementation to raise the quality and standards of education.
“If anybody tells you JM is coming to scrap free SHS, that person is a big liar. JM is coming to improve the implementation of the Free SHS, the free SHS has come to stay but we are coming to make it a quality free SHS,” he stated.
To achieve this, the 2024 NDC flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, stated that he would invest in completing abandoned school projects and expanding existing ones to provide the necessary infrastructure for the policy’s success.
He explained that these efforts would help eliminate the double-track system and enhance classroom contact hours.
“I wish to assure you that when we come, we are going to invest and finish all the abandoned E-Blocks…we are also going to expand the facilities in the existing schools so we can create access to Ghanaian children.”
“We are doing this to stop the double track system as soon as possible because we cannot afford the situation where our children come home and stay home for three to four months before they go back to school.,” he further added.
To address the issue of irregular food supplies to second-cycle schools, the former President proposed that head teachers be given the authority to procure food directly for their schools, rather than relying on the national buffer stock.
This approach, he explained, would ensure that students receive high-quality, nutritious food while also supporting local economies.
Additionally, the former President promised to create job opportunities for young people if elected. He urged voters to support him and his parliamentary candidates to secure a majority in Parliament, which would enable him to improve the country’s economic situation.
Accompanying the former President were Professor Joshua Alabi, his National Campaign Chairman; Mr. Cletus Avoka, MP for Zebilla; Mr. Mahama Ayariga, MP for Bawku Central; Mr. Issifu Mahoud, Parliamentary candidate for Binduri; Mrs. Joyce Bawah Mogtari, his Spokesperson; and other party executives.
