Vice President and the 2024 presidential candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has asserted that the success of the Free Senior High School (SHS) program in Ghana, particularly in the northern regions, would not have been realized if former President John Mahama had remained in office.
Speaking at a rally in Jirapa during his campaign tour of the Upper West Region, Dr. Bawumia emphasized the transformative effect the Free SHS initiative has had on many families in the north since its launch in 2017.
He criticized former President Mahama for opposing the program despite his experience and suggested that Mahama’s lack of support showed a disconnect from the needs of the people.
Dr. Bawumia challenged Mahama’s record on social interventions, stating, “Former President Mahama said if he had the money, he wouldn’t use it for free SHS education. He said it was not a priority but we have brought it and the people of the north and Ghanaians are benefiting.”
He highlighted the significant increase in senior high school enrollment from 800,000 to 1.4 million over seven years, underscoring the demand for the Free SHS program.
“We knew, and I knew that where we had the poorest people in the north, we needed Free SHS education and we brought free SHS to the north and Ghana and our children are attending in their numbers. The total enrollment for senior high school has increased from 800,000 to 1.4 million in 7 years. It tells you that our people were dying for free SHS education.”
“Today, the five northern regions have the highest enrollment into senior high school education. But this is what John Mahama said we should not do. He said if he had the money, he would not do it,” he added.
Additionally, Dr. Bawumia criticized the Savannah Development Authority (SADA) established under Mahama’s administration, accusing it of being ineffective.
“Mahama set up SADA and claimed to invest millions, but there are no tangible results. I’ve challenged him to present any successful SADA project, but none have been shown.”
In contrast, Dr. Bawumia defended his record as Vice President, claiming that he has spearheaded numerous policies and development projects that have visibly improved conditions in the north and across Ghana.