Free SHS and Beyond: Why Bawumia’s Leadership Is Crucial Over Mahama’s Self-Serving Comeback

With less than ten (10) to the general elections of 2024, few policies have sparked as much debate as the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) initiative. This revolutionary social intervention, introduced and implemented by the Nana Addo-Bawumia administration, has transformed access to education for millions of Ghanaian students. In contrast, former President John Mahama, who vehemently opposed the policy during the 2016 elections, now seeks to align himself with its benefits by promising improvements. Even more ironically, he has pledged free tuition for level 100 university students—a proposal that ignores the foundational importance of Free SHS in ensuring students even qualify for tertiary education.

This article examines the contradictions in Mahama’s campaign, highlights the strides made under the NPP government despite implementation challenges, and argues why Bawumia’s leadership represents a forward-looking vision, unlike Mahama’s self-serving return to power.

Mahama’s Contradictory Stance on Free SHS

In 2016, John Mahama campaigned fiercely against Free SHS, labelling it as an unrealistic promise that could destabilize Ghana’s economy. His government, which presided over crippling economic mismanagement and scandals, lacked the foresight and commitment to implement such a transformative policy. Fast forward to 2024, and Mahama not only claims he will improve Free SHS but also promises free university tuition for first-year students.

This sudden shift raises fundamental questions about his credibility. If Mahama could not recognize the importance of Free SHS in 2016 and actively opposed it, how can he now claim to be the one to improve it? Between the visionary initiators and implementers of Free SHS, like Nana Akufo-Addo and Dr. Bawumia, and a former president who dismissed it only to exploit its popularity later, who is truly trustworthy?

Implementation Challenges Are Normal, and the NPP Is Addressing Them

No policy is perfect at inception, and the Free SHS initiative is no exception. Its implementation faced challenges, including overcrowding, inadequate infrastructure, and initial funding constraints. However, it is worthy of note that the NPP government has consistently fine-tuned the policy to address these issues. Investments have been made in building more classroom blocks, improving feeding programs, and increasing teacher recruitment to meet the growing demand.

These challenges are not evidence of failure but a testament to the NPP’s commitment to delivering a life-changing policy to Ghanaian students. Policies like Free SHS require time and adjustment, and the government’s efforts to refine the program demonstrate leadership and dedication to improving Ghana’s education system.

Why Bawumia’s Leadership Matters

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, as Vice President, has been instrumental in advancing transformative policies for Ghana. His leadership has been characterized by innovation, modernization, and a focus on national development, from digitizing public services to improving financial inclusion. Under his guidance, the government has expanded opportunities for millions of Ghanaians, with education at the core of these efforts.

In contrast, Mahama’s record is one of mismanagement and scandal. During his presidency, Ghana faced unprecedented levels of corruption, with scandals like GYEEDA, SADA, and the infamous Bus Branding saga draining public resources. His administration also struggled with economic mismanagement, leading to widespread power outages (dumsor) and an IMF bailout.

Mahama’s current campaign reeks of self-interest—a desperate attempt to return to power by riding on the successes of policies he once opposed. His promises lack depth and coherence, particularly his proposal for free university tuition, which overlooks the foundational role of Free SHS in preparing students for tertiary education.

The Stakes in 2024: Visionary Leadership vs. Self-Interest

This election is not about revisiting Nana Akufo-Addo’s tenure but about choosing between two distinct visions for Ghana’s future: Bawumia’s forward-looking, innovative approach versus Mahama’s opportunistic and self-serving comeback. The choice is clear. Bawumia represents continuity and improvement, a leader who builds on the foundation laid by the NPP to take Ghana to greater heights.

In contrast, Mahama’s track record shows a leader whose return would likely reverse Ghana’s progress. His opposition to Free SHS in 2016 and his sudden embrace of it now reveal a lack of principle and vision. Between the initiators and implementers of transformative policies and someone who merely promises to improve them for political gain, Ghanaians must ask: Who is truly trustworthy?

Conclusion
Every major policy has challenges during its implementation, but the NPP government’s efforts to refine and improve Free SHS demonstrate its commitment to national development. Dr. Bawumia, as part of the team that introduced this transformative policy, has shown the vision and leadership necessary for Ghana’s progress.

Ghanaians must choose between a credible leader with a proven track record and a self-interested former president who now seeks to benefit from policies he once opposed. This election is a defining moment for Ghana, and the choice is clear: a future of innovation, progress, and integrity under Bawumia or a return to corruption, incompetence, and stagnation under Mahama. Let the facts guide us.

By: Salifu Hamza Iddrisu
hsalifu021@gmail.com

   Comments0