The Minority in Parliament has declared its endorsement of the Free Senior High School (FSHS) Bill, pending its presentation to Parliament.
This decision is aimed at dispelling speculations suggesting that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) intends to revoke the policy if it assumes power in the future.
Member of Parliament for Builsa South and Deputy Ranking Member on the Education Committee, Dr. Clement Apaak, highlighted in a statement that the Minority does not oppose FSHS and welcomes the proposed bill.
He emphasized that the bill would bind future governments to uphold the policy. Dr. Apaak also referenced former President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to enhancing the implementation of FSHS, addressing issues such as inadequate infrastructure, food quality, and irregular academic calendars.
While awaiting the details of the bill, Mr. Apaak stated that the Minority supports the initiative in principle, aiming to secure the future of FSHS.
The government is poised to introduce the Free Senior High School (SHS) Bill to Parliament shortly, with the objective of regulating the policy and ensuring its sustainability.
During a Leaders’ Media Briefing on Tuesday, June 11, Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin revealed that the bill aims to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of the policy, aligning with the principles outlined in Chapter 5 of the Constitution.
Find below the statement by the Minority
WE ARE NOT OPPOSED TO A BILL ON FSHS BILL
We are not opposed to FSHS and therefore can not be opposed to a proposed bill to bind future government to it. As John Dramani Mahama noted during his meeting with the national leadership of CHASS on May 8th, 2024, he will work with them and all stakeholders to make FSHS better.
Our Flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, has indicated time without number that, the FSHS policy is a good policy bedevilled with implementation challenges: inadequate academic and residential infrastructure; inadequate and poor quality food; inadequate furniture; erratic academic calendar, among others. John Dramani Mahama has pledged to address these challenges to make FSHS better.
So, while we wait to see the proposed bill and examine its contents in detail, in principle, we have no challenge supporting a bill seeking to ensure its future.
Dr. Clement Apaak
MP, Builsa South and Deputy Ranking Member, Education Committee of Parliament.