The Abuakwa North Constituency New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Eastern Region of Ghana has strongly criticized Prof Jane Naana Opoku Agyeman, NDC Vice Presidential hopeful, over her recent claims regarding the introduction of Free Senior High School (SHS) policy. During a press conference held at the party’s office in Akyem Kukuratumi on June 30, 2024, Mr Stephen Osei-Wusu, Communications Director for Abuakwa North Constituency NPP, debunked her assertion that the NDC pioneered the Free SHS policy under the Mahama administration.
Mr Osei-Wusu highlighted deficiencies during Prof Jane Naana Opoku Agyeman’s tenure as Education Minister, pointing out shortages of basic teaching materials like chalk and stationery in schools. He emphasized that under her leadership, promised payments for day students were not fulfilled, and debts accumulated, only to be cleared by the NPP upon assuming office in 2017.
Citing examples, Mr Osei-Wusu questioned how the NDC could introduce a comprehensive Free SHS policy when they struggled to supply essential teaching aids like chalk. He also criticized the NDC’s opposition to the Free SHS Bill in Parliament, suggesting ingratitude towards the NPP for its implementation.
In contrast, Mr Osei-Wusu detailed educational achievements under the Nana Akufo-Addo administration, facilitated by Honourable Gifty Twum-Ampofo’s lobbying efforts. These included:
Basic Schools:
- Provision of white marker boards and markers to all public Basic Schools in the Constituency.
Kindergarten Schools:
- Construction of Kindergarten school blocks with ancillary facilities at Abremponsu, Anweabeng, Nobi, New Tafo Besease, Bediasi, Aboabo, Mid Tafo Presby, Kukuratumi Methodist, and Ati.
Primary and Junior High Schools:
- Construction of Primary and Junior High School blocks with ancillary facilities at Aboabo M/A, Anyinasin Presby, Anyinasin Methodist, Mid-Tafo Presby, New-Tafo Besease, Ati SDA, Kukuratumi R/C, and OPASS M/A.
Ofori Panin Senior High School, Akyem Kukuratumi:
- Provision of Boys and Girls dormitories, Teachers’ Bungalow, 4-unit classroom, Pick-up, 63 Seater Bus, External W/C, Bunk beds and mattresses, and industrial sewing equipment.
St Paul’s Technical School, Akyem Kukuratumi:
- Construction of ultramodern technical workshop, provision of bunk beds and mattresses, Dual Desks, and industrial sewing equipment.
WBM Zion SHS, Akyem Old Tafo:
- Construction of Girls Dormitory, Completion of GETFund blocks, provision of 63 Seater Bus, Equipment for the Home Economics department, and industrial sewing equipment.
Saviour Memorial Senior High School, Akyem Osiem:
- Provision of 1 pick-up, 63 Seater bus, equipment for the Home Economics department, and industrial sewing equipment.
Concluding the press conference, Mr Osei-Wusu urged Prof Jane Naana Opoku Agyeman to verify information before making public statements and called on Ghanaians to support the NPP’s agenda for continued national development under Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s leadership.
Source: Mybrytfmonline.com/Nana Kwasi Asare
