Professor Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang, the running mate to John Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has issued a challenge to the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) to provide evidence supporting claims that the NDC intends to cancel the Free Senior High School (SHS) program if elected into power.
Speaking during her tour of the Abuakwa North constituency in Akyem-Tafo, Eastern Region, Professor Opoku Agyemang emphasized that the NDC’s stance on the Free SHS program is centered on reviewing and addressing the challenges it currently faces.
She dismissed allegations of plans to scrap the program as mere political rhetoric aimed at misleading the public.
“Anybody who has evidence that John Mahama had said anywhere that he will cancel Free SHS should provide it. If the person is unable to do so, let no one take that person seriously. We haven’t said anything like that,” she asserted.
Professor Opoku Agyemang pointed out that during the NDC’s previous administration, their approach was to introduce the progressively free SHS initiative, aimed at easing the financial burden on parents while ensuring all children had access to education.
She highlighted improvements made during that time, such as addressing supply shortages for educational materials like books and providing support for students’ essential needs.
Addressing a gathering at the Saviour Church of Ghana headquarters in Osiem, she reiterated the NDC’s commitment to enhancing the Free SHS program, drawing on their past initiatives to illustrate their dedication to improving educational access and quality.
During her visit to Akyem-Tafo, Professor Opoku Agyemang also visited the site of a palm oil extraction factory that had recently suffered a devastating fire. She pledged support for the affected community, donating fifty thousand cedis to aid in rebuilding the factory and restoring livelihoods.
Her tour of Abuakwa North constituency included meetings with local leaders and stakeholders, where she discussed various issues affecting the region and outlined the NDC’s vision for addressing them. The visit concluded with a warm reception from enthusiastic party supporters in Akyem-Tafo.