The National Democratic Congress (NDC), through its National Youth Organizer George Opare Addo, popularly known as Pablo, has outlined its commitment to addressing the pressing challenges of Ghana’s Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy. During an interview on the *Point Blank* segment of *Eyewitness News* on November 26, 2024, Opare Addo criticized the policy’s current state, describing it as deeply flawed and in need of urgent reform.
The Free SHS policy, introduced under the current New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration, has been lauded for providing access to education for thousands of Ghanaian students. However, its implementation has been plagued with issues such as overcrowded classrooms, inadequate infrastructure, and the provision of substandard resources to schools. These problems have fueled public debate on its long-term viability and effectiveness in delivering quality education.
Opare Addo expressed the NDC’s readiness to tackle these problems head-on, emphasizing the party’s proven track record in improving education during its previous administrations. He pointed to significant milestones achieved by the NDC in the past, such as eliminating schools under trees and ending the shift system at the basic education level, as evidence of the party’s commitment to enhancing the quality of education for all Ghanaians.
"The NDC understands the importance of education as a foundation for national development," Opare Addo stated. "We have demonstrated our commitment to improving access and quality through innovative policies. During our time, we eradicated schools under trees and abolished the shift system, ensuring that all students had equal opportunities to learn in a conducive environment."
One of the most pressing issues highlighted by Opare Addo was the quality of resources provided under the Free SHS program. He alleged that some of the food supplied to students was substandard, even going as far as to describe it as unfit for consumption. “Some of the food being served to our children is so poor in quality that you wouldn’t even give it to your dogs,” he lamented, calling for immediate measures to improve the welfare of students in the system.
Despite these challenges, the NDC remains committed to preserving the principle of free education while ensuring its sustainability and effectiveness. Opare Addo assured Ghanaians that the party would not scrap the policy but instead implement reforms to address its current shortcomings. “We believe in the importance of free education, but it must be done right,” he emphasized. “We will fix the Free SHS policy and make it better.”
As part of its broader vision for education, the NDC plans to invest in infrastructure, teaching materials, and teacher training to ensure that the Free SHS program achieves its intended goals. The party also intends to strengthen oversight mechanisms to prevent the mismanagement of resources and ensure that all stakeholders, including students, parents, and teachers, benefit from the policy.
Pablo’s remarks have reignited discussions about the future of Free SHS and the broader challenges facing Ghana’s education sector. Critics of the policy have long argued that while it has increased enrollment, it has done so at the expense of quality. The NDC’s promise to prioritize reforms suggests a shift toward balancing access with excellence, a move that many education experts believe is long overdue.
In addition to addressing the immediate challenges of Free SHS, the NDC’s plans for the sector include expanding access to technical and vocational education and training (TVET). The party views TVET as a critical component of national development, equipping young Ghanaians with the skills needed to compete in a rapidly changing global economy.
As the 2024 general elections approach, education is expected to be a central theme of campaign debates. The NDC’s focus on fixing the Free SHS policy positions the party as a champion of education reform, offering hope to thousands of Ghanaian families who have expressed frustration with the policy’s current state.
The question now is whether the NDC’s promises will resonate with voters and translate into electoral success. With education ranking high on the list of national priorities, the party’s ability to articulate a clear and actionable plan for reform could prove pivotal in swaying public opinion.
For many Ghanaians, the stakes are high. Access to quality education remains a critical determinant of social mobility and economic opportunity. As political parties unveil their manifestos in the coming months, the electorate will be watching closely to see who offers the most compelling vision for the future of Ghana’s education system.
The NDC’s commitment to reforming Free SHS represents a step in the right direction. However, the real test will lie in the party’s ability to deliver on its promises if given the mandate to govern. For now, Pablo’s assurances provide a glimmer of hope for a brighter future for Ghana’s education sector.
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