Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has called on the government to promptly present the Free SHS bill to the House, emphasizing the minority’s support for any legislation aimed at improving and sustaining the Free SHS policy.
Addressing the media, Dr. Forson debunked claims that the minority will oppose the Free Senior High School (SHS) bill, which is yet to be presented before Parliament.
“We are here to address a major desperation on the ruling NPP and the members of parliament working for the government, particularly the majority leader. In the last few days, the majority leader is on record to have accused the NDC minority of not supporting the Free SHS bill. Let me put on record that there is no such bill before Parliament.”
“We are hearing from him, for the first time, that the government is considering a bill to be presented to Parliament called the Free SHS bill. As we speak, there is no bill. It is important for us to reiterate that we cannot oppose a bill we have not seen. We have not said anywhere that we are going to oppose such a bill. We are rather urging the NPP to hurry up in presenting such a bill to Parliament.”
He further highlighted that this is the first time the minority is hearing about the government’s consideration of a Free SHS bill.
“The minority will at all times support any legislation that seeks to improve and sustain the Free SHS policy,” he stated.
He also addressed accusations regarding the NDC’s stance on the policy, pointing out that Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is on record expressing skepticism about the need for a Free SHS law.
“In fact, if there is anybody in this country who is on record to have said that he does not believe in the Free SHS law, it is rather Dr. Bawumia. He is on record to have said that there is no need for a law or a bill to regulate Free SHS, not the NDC. All he said we need is commitment.”