2024 polls: ‘NDC will fix free SHS challenges to make it better if voted’ — Prof Opoku-Agyemang

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has promised to address the challenges facing the implementation of the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy if voted into power in the 2024 elections.

Speaking at a campaign rally in Sekondi, Western Region on Wednesday, NDC vice-presidential candidate Prof Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang said the party has no plans to scrap the Free SHS initiative as alleged by their opponents.

She stressed the opposition party invested heavily in starting progressive free SHS through Community Day School projects and will not cancel it.

However, Prof Opoku-Agyemang noted that the policy is bedeviled with problems that need to be fixed to improve its effectiveness.

She cited issues like inadequate infrastructure leading to the double-track system, asking if the opponents are “saying we should not address the current education calendar that has brought double track to our SHS and affecting quality teaching?"

The former Education Minister also pointed out other challenges like insufficient teaching and learning materials.

“Are they saying we should not provide state of the art teaching and learning materials, equipment and tools in our schools?" she questioned.

Prof Opoku-Agyemang further raised concerns about the poor supply of food to students.

“Are they saying we should not review the policy to ensure our children have better food?” she asked.

She assured Ghanaians that the NDC has a comprehensive plan to address the challenges and strengthen the implementation of Free SHS to enhance secondary education standards in the country.

Prof Opoku-Agyemang appealed for votes for former president John Mahama, saying he can deliver on promises to transform the education sector and create jobs.