We’re not opposed to Free Senior High School-Okudzeto Ablakwa

Former Deputy Minister for Education, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa says the National Democratic Congress is not opposed to the Free Senior High School concept, but concerned about its sustainability which has not been addressed.

President Akufo-Addo will later this morning launch, officially, the much-trumpeted policy which started yesterday, across the country, when first-year students admitted to various senior high schools across the country walked into school premises without having to pay anything.

The NDC has come under criticisms from a section of the public who have accused the party of contradicting themselves on the policy, especially back in 2012 when they maintained no government can implement the policy, and criticized the then opposition NPP.

Mr. Okudzeto-Ablakwa, who is one of those singled out for criticisms, said on JoyFm’s breakfast show neither him nor the party is against the concept, but are more worried about the absence of a policy blueprint covering it. 

He said the construction of schools and other related infrastructure by the erstwhile NDC government is part of the contributions various parties have made to the policy rollout, and that should be acknowledged.  

“Free Senior High School would not have been possible if the logistics are not there, it is a collective input…we want these programs to succeed,” he said.

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Though he acknowledged this is a tough job, he commended the government for the policy implementation.

“This Free SHS thing is a tough job, but I commend the gov't for a good job done so far. The Deputy Minister of Education has been efficient. He's done a great job in executing the Free SHS policy. The minority is not opposed to Free SHS. We aren't following the tradition of opposing majority's decisions. We haven't said the Free SHS should be extended to students in private schools, I want to clear the air”

According to him, a blueprint will help MPs explain the policy better to their constituents when they are asked at the various town hall meetings to be conducted by them.

Kofi Bentil, Vice President of IMANI-Ghana, said government has a responsibility to ensuring the policy work, and anything outside it will not be entertained by the public.

He said the success of the policy will even encourage public to pay extra for taxes, should VAT be increased to fund it.

Read also:  Gov't threatening Head teachers over free SHS plan- Minority

 Gov't free SHS is a sham, they have no policy- Minority group's full statement

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