Former Deputy Minister for Communication, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has the Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, of suggesting that former President John Dramani Mahama’s promise to review the Free Senior High School (SHS) program implies its cancellation.
Kwakye Ofosu expressed astonishment at the minister’s statement, considering his background and questioned why someone with a doctorate would equate program review with cancellation.
“How can a supposed PhD holder and Minister be so light and pedestrian in thought?
“What a shocker!” the former deputy minister, who is a special aide to former President Mahama, wrote on X.
What Mahama said about reviewing Free SHS:
Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, announced his intention to conduct a thorough review of the Free Senior High School policy within the first 100 days of assuming office if he emerges victorious in the 2024 general elections.
The aim of this initiative is to strengthen the foundation of elementary education.
According to a report by myjoyonline.com, the former president outlined his plan to establish a committee consisting of educational experts tasked with devising an improved framework for the policy’s implementation.
“Within the first 100 days in government, we will convene a stakeholder summit that brings together educationists, experts, teachers, parents, students and opinion leaders to deliberate on how to improve the implementation of the Free SHS system and also improve the quality of our basic education,” he stated.
Furthermore, John Mahama proposed a return to utilising the West African Examination Council (WAEC) for student assessments within the regional bloc and not limiting it to Ghana alone.
What the education minister said:
Speaking at the Ghana Muslim Mission’s 63rd anniversary last weekend in Kumasi, he cited the policy’s accomplishments but cautioned against the futility of any review plans.
“President Akufo-Addo and his Vice brought Free SHS and they have provided the needed support to make it a success and bring relief to parents,” he said.
“If anybody says they will review Free SHS, it means one thing. That person wants to cancel it and we won’t allow that,” he stated.