Some traders at the Mallam Atta Market have committed to casting their vote for the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, in the upcoming December polls.
They explained that nothing can sway them from casting their votes for any other political party except the ruling party.
Justifying their reason in a viral video, they stated that the Akufo-Addo-led government has implemented a lot of beneficial initiatives.
The market women positioned the NPP’s Free SHS program above all the other party’s achievements.
“I will vote for Bawumia because Nana Addo has done well. Free education has paved way for my daughter to be in school. Bawumia and the NPP has tared our roads, this place doesn’t flood again when it rains. We will vote for number 1. My two children have completed school because of free SHS. I will vote for Bawumia,” they stated.
🎙Some traders at the Mallam Atta Market have vowed to vote for Dr. Bawumia because of the free SHS policy#3NewsGH
— #TV3GH (@tv3_ghana) November 27, 2024
pic.twitter.com/Iq7vDaiNgH
It appears the Free SHS has become a trump card for Dr Bawumia and the NPP to win the 2024 presidential seat.
Recently, The Independent Ghana interacted with some citizens regarding their voting choices come December 7, 2024.
Ghanaian truck driver Asmanu Yaya expressed that he has both enjoyed and continues to benefit from the Free SHS policy, as his four children are beneficiaries.
Two of them, he said are done with school and the others are yet to complete. Not having a formal education, Yaya says he would let the opportunity slip by his children. He will vote for a leader who has helped him lift the financial burden to see his children through school.
“I’ve personally benefited from these policies. I have four children—two have finished school, and two are still attending. Without Free SHS, I might not have been able to afford their education. That’s why I’m voting for the NPP and Dr. Bawumia this year,” Mr Yaya indicated
Food vendor at the Achimota station, Madam Asmawu said she has plans to vote again and for the the NPP because Free SHS has made it possible for families, regardless of their financial status, to send their children to school.
“Free SHS has allowed both rich and poor families to send their children to school, which is a huge benefit. Despite the tough economy, this policy has made a real difference. So I have a reason to vote for them again,” Madam Asmawu stated.
Another citizen by name Richard Osei, expressed his gratitude for the introduction of the Free SHS, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) schools. He noted that these initiatives have improved access to education and enhanced the quality of education.
The Free Senior High School (Free SHS) education policy in Ghana is a government initiative introduced in the 2017 September Presidential administration of Nana Akufo-Addo.
The policy’s origination began as part of the President’s presidential campaign during Ghana’s 2016 election period, and has become an essential part of Ghana’s educational system.
And now, despite the hardship Ghanaians are facing in the country under the NPP, several Ghanaians seem to have no choice than to give the NPP another 4 years.