I have seen a flyer by H.E. John Mahama titled “Time to Reset Ghana.” What caught my attention is the word “RESET.”
We can all be honest with ourselves that the past 7 years have not been perfect, and there are certain things that could have been done better or differently. However, there have also been innovative ideas and changes that have helped alleviate poverty and improve people’s lives.
One of the most prominent initiatives is Free SHS education. This policy has faced challenges, but it is undoubtedly the best social policy introduced in Ghana since independence.
Before 2008, President Kuffour introduced numerous innovative social policies. Researchers and educationists all agreed that a 4-year SHS was better than a 3-year SHS. The NDC promised a Better Ghana Agenda, but unfortunately, Ghanaians did not pay attention to these words, and the NDC immediately reversed SHS back to 3 years.
Now, they are using a new term: “Reset.” We have heard leading NDC members speak against Free SHS education. The words on the flyer, “Time to Reset Ghana,” clearly indicate the NDC’s intention to cancel Free SHS.
Dr. Bawumia will listen to educationists and researchers to improve Free SHS, not cancel it, because he strongly believes in this policy. His deep understanding of the value of education stems from his upbringing, where he was instilled with the belief that education is the gateway to endless possibilities. Today, as the Vice President of Ghana, he embodies the success that can be achieved through education.
If you are a parent, and your children are about to register to vote for the first time, let us remember the burden of school fees, exam fees, and mock fees. While many of us can afford to pay, gone are the days when nieces and nephews also ask us to cover their educational expenses alongside our own children.
December 7, 2024, is Thanksgiving Saturday. The vote is “Aseda Aba.” Even those who have yet to experience Free SHS for their kids desire this policy to remain in place.
Let’s reject the “Reset Ghana” agenda. Someone who only has 4 years and no further accountability to Ghanaians cannot jeopardize it for everyone.
Kwadwo Nsafoah Poku (KNP)