Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mustapha Gbande, has criticised how the free Senior High School programme is being implemented, stating that he wouldn’t opt for it as he is capable of affording his child’s education due to his status.
Speaking to Nana Yaa Brefo and Isaac Ekow JB on Yen Nsempa, he emphasized that Ghanaians who are financially capable should contribute to their children’s education expenses to alleviate the burden on the government.
Mr Gbande highlighted the inequality in the free education initiative, questioning why individuals of differing financial capabilities should receive the same benefits. He argued that such an approach lacks equity, proportionality, and sustainability.
“I said that for example me, I wouldn’t want my child to go to school for free, because I can afford it. So for the NDC, we agree that for citizens who can pay for their Children’s school fees, let them go ahead and pay.
“There is inequality in the project, why should I, for example, a Member of Parliament who can be capable of paying my child’s fee and my fellow Ghanaian who lives in a village somewhere without money. Why should we both have our children going to school for free, when we do that it’s not equitable, it’s not proportionated, it’s not sustainable,”Mr Gbande said.
He further clarified that the NDC intends not to cancel the Free SHS policy, but to conduct a quality assurance review to ensure the project is executed sustainably.
Gbande pointed out issues with the quality of the program’s components, particularly the feeding system, and highlighted concerns regarding its financial sustainability.
“When you look at the feeding component of the free SHS, the quality is a problem, there is a great debt in the buffer stock, its not sustainable
“Even parents want to support, parents are calling for a review how much more government. The free SHS bill is so high”
He asserted that the NDC would review the initiative if they come into power, aiming to address its deficiencies through engagement with major stakeholders.
By Lois Dogbe