NDC has failed to improve education system after taking power — Ekua Amoakoh

Press Secretary to New Patriotic Party (NPP) 2028 presidential candidate Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Dr Ekua Amoakoh, has criticised the government’s handling of the 2026 Senior High School (SHS) placement exercise.

She said the National Democratic Congress (NDC) was more effective at criticising challenges in the education sector while in opposition than addressing them after assuming office.

Her comments come amid concerns over the 2026 Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS), with thousands of qualified candidates failing to secure automatic placement in their preferred schools.

“You[NDC] inherited a system that you've made worse. Actually, you are performing absolutely worse,” Dr Amoakoh said on Accra-based JoyNews’ AM Show on Wednesday, September 9.

She cited the previous government’s investments in new schools and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as measures she said were intended to expand access and ease pressure on highly subscribed SHSs.

According to her, 10 STEM secondary schools had been started under the previous administration, while significant investments had also been made in TVET to provide alternative pathways for students with different abilities and interests.

Dr Amoakoh said the previous administration recorded a 94 per cent placement rate in 2024, arguing that the current figures represented a decline despite the measures she said had been put in place before the NDC returned to power.

“It was easier for the NDC to complain in opposition, especially about matters of education, than for them to now that they have the responsibility to actually execute,” she said.