The running mate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang says the next NDC government will improve the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme.
She says her party has no plan to cancel Free SHS but would rather work hard to improve it by addressing the challenges facing students, teachers and schools.
During a rally in Sekondi, part of her three-day campaign in the Western Region, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang, who previously held the position of Minister of Education under the last NDC administration, asserted that her party would not dismantle a programme that had seen significant investment in Community Day Schools and was initiated as Progressively Free SHS.
She urged the public to disregard any misleading narratives suggesting the programme’s cancellation.
Furthermore, she outlined plans for the next NDC government to enhance Free SHS by investing in classroom and boarding facilities to eliminate the double track system, supplying teaching and learning materials, and ensuring sufficient food provisions for students.
“Are they suggesting we should ignore the current educational calendar that has led to the double track system, adversely affecting the quality of teaching? Are they implying we should not provide our children with better nutrition? Are they saying we should not reassess the policy to equip our schools with modern teaching and learning resources? We will address the challenges associated with the Free SHS policy to enhance its effectiveness,” she stated.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang further noted that the NDC had a detailed plan to improve the execution of Free SHS and elevate the standard of secondary education in the nation.
She called upon voters to support Mr John Dramani Mahama to fulfill his commitment to enhancing education at all levels and creating job opportunities for the youth through the implementation of the 24-Hour Economy policy.
FROM CLEMENT ADZEI BOYE, TAKORADI
