Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has reiterated the party’s dedication to reviewing the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, despite attempts by political opponents to distort the party’s intentions.
Addressing a doctored video that falsely suggested the NDC planned to abolish the policy, Nketia expressed frustration with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for using such tactics to mislead the public.
He made it clear that these efforts would not deter the NDC from addressing the policy’s flaws.
“They must create avenues for their party people to make money.” They have taken away the responsibility of the headmasters to procure foodstuffs for students under their care, and have awarded the contract for supplying the schools to their cronies,” Nketia alleged.
Nketia stressed that the current implementation of the Free SHS policy has had negative effects on the quality of education, and the NDC is determined to rectify these issues. He criticized the policy for undermining the educational experience of students due to poor planning and improper execution.
A key issue, according to Nketia, is the stripping of headmasters’ responsibilities for procuring food for students, with contracts now being awarded to party supporters.
“This is why we advised them not to rush the implementation until adequate infrastructure has been built but they refused to reason with us, thereby leading us into this mess,” the National Chairman pointed out.
Mr Nketia also pointed out the significant lack of infrastructure to accommodate the growing number of students, leading to overcrowded schools and reduced learning time. He blamed the NPP for rushing the policy’s rollout without ensuring adequate facilities, ignoring advice from various stakeholders, including members of their own party.
The NDC, he assured, will focus on expanding school infrastructure, completing the stalled E-blocks, and ensuring that adequate facilities are in place to accommodate students effectively.
He urged the public to ignore the misleading video, calling it part of the NPP’s desperate attempts to hold onto power.