Former President John Dramani Mahama has called out Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, urging him to address the critical shortage of desks and furniture in schools across the Upper West Region. Mahama’s remarks highlight the stark contrast between Bawumia’s actions during his time in opposition and his current role in government, where Mahama argues that the Vice President is neglecting a crucial issue.
Mahama recalled Bawumia’s frequent visits to the region when he was the running mate to President Nana Akufo-Addo. According to the former president, Bawumia would often highlight the lack of furniture in schools, photographing children sitting on stones and blaming the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government for its failure to provide basic amenities.
“Today, 1.3 million basic school children have no furniture. During the NDC’s time, Bawumia would visit and donate furniture to the schools. But now that he is in charge of the budget, he doesn’t even need to use his own money. He can simply allocate funds from the budget and provide these children with the furniture they need,” Mahama said during a public event.
Mahama further challenged Bawumia to return to the Upper West Region and see the current state of schools without furniture, urging him to fulfill the promises he made while in opposition. The former president also criticized the government’s handling of education infrastructure, particularly the incomplete school projects that were started under the NDC government.
“The only money that accrues to the GETFund is 40%, and it’s not enough to pay contractors. Dormitory blocks, classrooms, dining halls, and administration buildings are all left standing incomplete,” Mahama stated. He added that key projects, including the NDC’s “E-block” community day schools, remain unfinished due to the government’s mismanagement of resources.
The lack of adequate furniture and infrastructure in Ghana’s schools has been a longstanding issue, and Mahama’s challenge adds to the growing pressure on the government to prioritize education and deliver on promises made to the public.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Emmanuel Mensah
