A senior communication officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Ashanti Region, Abass Nurudeen, has expressed dissatisfaction with former Finance Minister Seth Terkper’s recent comments about Ghana’s Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy.
During a radio interview, Abass said Terkper’s remarks could undermine President-elect John Mahama’s vision for education reform.
“Terkper should stop making these comments about Free SHS.
It is clear he has no role to play in shaping our agenda going forward,” Abass stated.
His remarks came after Seth Terkper suggested on TV3 that the Free SHS program, in its current form, is financially unsustainable and should be limited to day schools, similar to practices in some European countries.
Abass responded strongly, emphasizing that the incoming government under John Mahama had pledged not to scrap the Free SHS policy but to improve and expand it.
“We cannot allow individuals to plant doubt in the minds of Ghanaians about our commitment to reform this vital program,” Abass said.
He accused Seth Terkper of failing to support the party during challenging times, specifically in the aftermath of the 2016 elections.
“Where was Terkper when the grassroots were working tirelessly to bring the NDC back to power?
His rigid management style at the Finance Ministry caused harm to the party,” Abass claimed.
The former Finance Minister has faced backlash from NDC supporters for his views, which some see as contradicting Mahama’s campaign promise.
Mahama has reassured Ghanaians that his administration will make the Free SHS policy more efficient and move its management under the Ghana Education Service.
Abass reminded party members of the sacrifices made by the grassroots to return the NDC to power.
“It is the hard work of ordinary supporters that has brought us here. We will not allow anyone to derail our plans with unnecessary criticisms,” he added.
As John Mahama prepares to take office, debates over the future of the Free SHS policy continue.
