A social commentator, and managing editor of the Gye Nyame Concord, an Accra based newspaper, Alfred Ogbamey has challenged the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) to come out with an alternative education policy rather than condemning the New Patriotic Party’ Free SHS Policy.
The NPP flag bearer, Nana Akufo-Addo during the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) Evening Encounter on Tuesday, backed his much touted Free SHS Policy with figures which he said were estimated cost for the implementation of the policy.
Nana Akufo-Addo’s IEA Encounter marked the first time the NPP flag bearer had given a cost breakdown of the policy he intends to pursue from 2013/2014 academic year, should he win the December polls.
According to Mr. Ogbamey who was speaking on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo Thursday, the NPP’s Free SHS Policy is one that must be commended.
According to him, whereas the NPP argue that education policy is one related to affordability the NDC argues that accessibility to SHS must be improved.
The NPP according to him have taken a step to address the affordability of SHS with their Free SHS Policy whereas the NDC have not come out with any concrete policy alternative for Ghanaians to decide which one would be most appropriate.
He stated that the NDC would do Ghanaians a world of good if they also come out with other alternative education policy rather than classifying NPP’s as a non realistic goal.
But a member of the NDC’s Communication Team, Fred Agbenyo who also appeared on Kokrokoo was firm in his belief that what Ghanaians wanted is rather an improved access to education.
According to him, the NPP supposed free basic education was non existent as at the time they were exiting power since some parents were incurring some costs like textbooks, uniforms etc.
He said the NPP must stop throwing dust into the eyes of the Ghanaian since their policy is not achievable but rather meant to win votes in the upcoming general elections.
He further expressed the NDC’s commitment to improving access to Senior High School education by building 200 new SHS across the country.