Claims I plan to cancel Free SHS is just a political gimmick; I won’t do that – Mahama

Former President John Dramani Mahama has yet again dismissed claims that he plans to abolish the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) program if re-elected as President.

The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) described these accusations as mere "political gimmicks" and reaffirmed his commitment to retaining the flagship educational initiative.

“There is no truth in that, it is just a political gimmick. Free SHS has come to stay,” Mahama stated during an address to the clergy in Kumasi on Monday, November 11.

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has repeatedly accused the National Democratic Congress and its leader, John Mahama, of harbouring intentions to cancel the Free SHS program.

Notably, the Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has voiced concerns about the NDC’s actions in Parliament, suggesting they are aimed at derailing the passage of the Free SHS Bill.

According to Afenyo-Markin, the conduct of the opposition lawmakers during parliamentary sessions has contributed to the indefinite adjournment of the House, which he claims is a deliberate tactic to obstruct the bill's approval.

“They are conspiring with Mr. Speaker to get the Free SHS Bill not passed; their main target is the Free SHS Bill,” Afenyo-Markin alleged during a press conference at Parliament on Thursday, November 7.

The Majority Leader further accused the NDC MPs of resorting to disruptive behaviour, citing an incident on November 7 when they occupied seats designated for the Majority side in the chamber. He also criticized the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, for allegedly supervising the "lawlessness" in Parliament.