A member of the NPP communications team member, George Ackom has praised former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for the introduction of the Free Senior High School policy, describing it as a transformative initiative that has benefited a large number of Ghanaian students.
According to him, the policy remains one of the most significant legacies of Akufo-Addo and his Vice President, Mahamudu Bawumia. “Many Ghanaians will continue to remember their administration for implementing free secondary education,” he said.
Speaking on the Wontumi Morning Show hosted by Kweku Kyeremanteng Nkansah, Ackom argued that despite initial criticism from the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the New Patriotic Party (NPP) successfully rolled out the programme.
He, however, accused the NDC of mismanaging the policy after taking over. “Within a year of its introduction, enrolment surged, which led to the implementation of the double-track system to accommodate students,” he noted, describing it as a necessary intervention to sustain the policy.
Ackom also criticized the NDC’s earlier approach to education infrastructure, claiming that although school buildings were constructed, there was inadequate planning to ensure access for students who could not afford fees.
He further questioned the government’s commitment to improving the policy, asking what had become of key campaign promises such as the “Big Push” and other social intervention programmes.
He urged Ghanaians to critically assess the performance of political leaders and policies as the country moves forward.