The Member of Parliament for Jaman North in the Brong Ahafo region and Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Education, Steven Siaka, has slammed the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) for criticizing the free SHS policy.
The Minority in Parliament led by their leader, Haruna Iddrisu criticized the funding mechanism of the policy he described as “noble.”
Mr. Iddrisu who warned at a press conference Monday September 11, 2017 that the “piecemeal approach” to the execution of the ruling government’s flagship policy will compromise on quality education said in a media interview Tuesday that the government needs to find a sustainable funding for the policy.
But in his reaction, Mr. Siaka dismissed the Minority’s criticisms arguing that they lack the moral right to do so.
He further held that President Akufo-Addo stands tall when it comes to political sincerity by implementation the free SHS policy.
“The fundamental driver in any social intervention programs [are] the removal of cost barriers to break down poverty circle and make sure they bring equity…gender equity to completely burry what we call deprivations that is all what social interventions are about,” he said.
He continued, “…Nana Addo has been sincere, very honest and truthful to the people of Ghana as compared to some time past when we were assured that when they [NDC) get the nod they will make one-time premium payment after which nobody will pay again. But what did we see, when they won power, they never even talked about it till they exited.”
“So when we talk about political sincerity Nana Addo stands tall,” he added.
Officially launching the policy which started Monday September 11, 2017, President Akufo-Addo served notice that the ruling government’s flagship policy—the Free SHS—will never be a failure.
“We may falter but we shall not fail,” he roared at the official launch ceremony at the West African Secondary School (WASS) at Adenta in Accra.
He continued that the policy is not about the NPP and the NDC and that it should be embraced and supported by all to succeed saying “We are ready to accept in all humility inputs and criticisms.”
Under the Free SHS policy, second cycle students in boarding houses will receive three meals a day.
