The Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic
Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has reiterated his commitment to eliminate
within one year in office, the double-track system that has plagued the smooth
implementation of the Free SHS Programme.
To achieve his target the former President said his
government will embark on a fast-track programme to complete the abandoned
Community Day Schools, expand infrastructure in existing schools, and include
private schools in the free SHS programme.
Addressing a community durbar of chiefs and farmers at
Fawohoyeden in the Asunafo North district of the Ahafo Region, Mr. Mahama said
he has always stood for quality free SHS.
According to him, claims that he
would cancel the free SHS programme is false, noting that he started the
programme with day students during his administration.
While acknowledging that Ghana during the NDC era was
not heaven, President Mahama maintained that the NDC has a better record than
the NPP, explaining that today, everyone is suffering and can hardly make ends
meet.
“These days nothing works. Whether as a farmer,
trader, driver or mechanic, the hardship is unbearable everywhere,” he
bemoaned, adding “we have to go back for the NDC and I know that by God’s
grace, we shall be victorious.”
He announced to the farming community that when he
wins the December 2020 elections, his government will reintroduce the free
cocoa fertilizer intervention that was aborted by the NPP, to bring relief to
cocoa farmers.
He also outlined a number of policies contained in the NDC
2020 People’s Manifesto, including the Free Primary Health Care Plan, Free
Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and the Free
Apprenticeship Programme.
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