Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has strongly refuted claims made by former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia suggesting that the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) flagship programme is currently struggling under the NDC administration.
The reaction follows remarks by the NPP presidential candidate during the party’s National Delegates Conference held over the weekend in Kumasi, where he questioned the current state of the secondary education policy.
Setting the record straight, the Education Minister stated that the implementation of the Free SHS scheme has rather seen marked improvements since President John Dramani Mahama took office.
Expressing his surprise at the opposition leader’s commentary, Mr Iddrisu challenged the past administration’s record on the policy and maintained that the previous government failed to deliver seamless access for all students.
“At the weekend, the New Patriotic Party leadership were in Kumasi for the election of its national leaders. I congratulate those who emerged… But significant at that forum was comments attributed to the flag bearer and presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party to wit when he said that the Free Senior High School is suffering,” the Minister said.
“I don’t want to believe that the Free Senior High School did not suffer in the last decade or eight years and that every qualified BECE student got admission to a free secondary school of his or her choice. That practically was impossible and therefore Dr Mahamudu Bawumia must come again when he says that the Free Senior High School is suffering. Maybe to remind him that it was suffering under him and that required us as a government to review the implementation of the Free Senior High School,” he added.
Addressing further allegations concerning operational logistics and student welfare, Mr Iddrisu dismissed reports alleging widespread food shortages across senior high schools, describing such claims as completely untrue.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana