Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the Vice Presidential Candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has cautioned Ghanaians against voting for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the upcoming 2024 elections, warning that such a decision could lead to the cancellation of the Free Senior High School (SHS) program.
Dr. Prempeh, widely known as "Napo," issued this warning during the launch of the NPP's Campaign Working Committees and Women’s Conference held in Kumasi.
In his address, Dr. Prempeh interpreted the NDC Flagbearer John Mahama’s promise to review the Free SHS program as a veiled plan to terminate it entirely.
"A vote for the NDC is a vote to end Free SHS, Teacher Training allowances, and nursing training allowances," Napo asserted, despite providing no direct evidence to support these claims.
He argued that the NPP's flagship policies, which he described as vital for the nation's educational progress, would be at risk under an NDC administration.
Dr. Prempeh’s remarks come at a critical time as the 2024 election campaign intensifies, with education policy emerging as a significant battleground.
The Free SHS program, a cornerstone of the NPP’s governance, has provided tuition-free education to millions of Ghanaian students since its inception.
The program has been lauded by many as a transformative policy but has also faced challenges, including concerns about funding and infrastructure.
Napo urged Ghanaians to safeguard these educational policies by ensuring that the NPP remains in power.
"We must protect what we have achieved. The NPP has delivered on its promises, and we will continue to do so," he told the gathering, stressing that the continuity of the Free SHS program depends on the NPP’s re-election.
Addressing the broader economic challenges, Dr. Prempeh acknowledged the global economic difficulties that have affected many countries, including Ghana.
However, he insisted that the NPP government, under the leadership of President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Bawumia, has managed to shield Ghanaians from the worst impacts.
He pointed to the absence of power outages, commonly known as "dumsor," as a significant achievement of the current administration.
"Under President Akufo-Addo’s leadership, we have not experienced the crippling power outages that were common under the previous administration," he emphasized.
Dr. Prempeh also took the opportunity to highlight other successes of the NPP government, including efforts to stabilize the economy and improve the quality of life for Ghanaians.
He urged voters to consider these accomplishments when making their decision in the upcoming elections.
"The NPP has a track record of delivering on our promises. We have implemented policies that benefit every Ghanaian, and we will continue to work hard to ensure a better future for all," he said.
As the 2024 elections draw nearer, the debate over the future of the Free SHS program and other key policies is expected to dominate the political discourse.
Dr. Prempeh’s warning about the potential risks of an NDC government adds to the growing list of issues that will be central to the campaign, with both parties vying to convince Ghanaians of their vision for the country’s future.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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