One of the flagship programmes of the ruling New Patriotic Party has been the Free education programme. Indeed, it was one of the reasons why the government won the 2016 elections and some of the successes of the programme also ensured the 2020 elections victory. However, not has been well with the programme. Government has however resisted all arguments against the programme.
Indeed, many have called for a review of the programme to ensure that it remains one of the viable programme of the government but President Akufo-Addo has refused this. Even when Ghana was trying to negotiate a deal with the International Monetary Fund, the governemt still insisted that there will be no review. The Director General, Finance Ministry, CHASS and even parents all called for a review because of the problems associated with the programme, yet the President refused to give heed.
One of the biggest advocates of the review of Free SHS was Joy News. In a number of campaigns, they called for a review to strategize the programme. Free SHS was suffering from financial issues and this sometimes deprived the students of quality food. The government tagged Joy News as trying to destroy the programme. Now President Akufo-Addo in an interview is admitting that there would be a review.
On The State of Play on Joy News today, Thursday, September 1, 2022, Raymond Acquah noted that the President has finally admitted subtly that Joy News was not fighting against him and his government but rather wanted the programme to succeed. Joy News was one of the stations that called for some parents to be made to sponsor their wards.
According to Raymond Acquah, President Akufo-Addo has finally come to realize the truth. According to Akufo-Addo, there are certain powerful forces fighting against the programme and as such there was the need to have an open discussion about it.
This discussion will only mean one thing; a review to reduce cost. Government has run out of money and this has finally brought her to her knees to seek a review. It is yet to be seen which form that the review will take. Many experts say parents who are well to do will now have the chance to feed and pay for the fees of their kids. Interesting times ahead. Is it the case that the IMF wants the programme reviewed or the President voluntarily wants a review?
Use the link below to watch the video. Kindly start from 21: 45
https://www.facebook.com/JoyNewsOnTV/videos/1281015415966530/?app=fbl
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