NPP Germany Criticizes Prof. Naana Opoku-Agyemang’s Attack on Party, Accusing Her of Lacking Self-Reflection and Exhibiting Amnesia About Her Time in Office

The NPP Germany chapter has strongly rebuked Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, the Vice Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), in response to her recent comments criticizing the NPP government’s education policies. During a campaign stop, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang made remarks accusing the NPP of misleading the public by presenting renovated schools as new. These comments have sparked a wave of criticism, especially given her previous tenure as Education Minister under the NDC government.

In her address to NDC supporters in the Northern Region, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang questioned the government’s efforts to improve education, specifically pointing to the practice of sprucing up existing school buildings and reopening them under the guise of new constructions. She emphasized that during her time in office, when schools were commissioned, they were fully equipped, with stocked libraries, furnished classrooms, and computer rooms ready for use. In contrast, she suggested that the NPP was merely repainting old schools and presenting them as newly built institutions, which she described as misleading.

In response, NPP Germany has criticized the former Education Minister for what they perceive as a lack of self-reflection on her own tenure. They accused her of displaying “troubling amnesia” about the state of the education sector during her time in office. The NPP emphasized that when they inherited the education sector from the NDC, it was plagued by abandoned projects, poor facilities, and a lack of basic resources. They questioned why Prof. Opoku-Agyemang was now criticizing efforts to refurbish schools, given that her administration had left many educational facilities in dire condition.

NPP Germany’s statement highlights the fact that, under the NDC administration, there was a severe shortage of teaching materials. Teachers were often forced to purchase their own basic supplies, such as chalk, because the government failed to provide these essential resources. The NPP expressed disbelief that Prof. Opoku-Agyemang, who was in charge during this period, could now criticize the current government for making improvements to existing schools, when her own government had not even provided basic teaching tools for educators.

Furthermore, NPP Germany questioned Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s insistence on “stocked libraries,” “furnished classrooms,” and “computer rooms with computers” as the benchmarks of a quality education system. They pointed out that, despite these lofty expectations, the NDC administration failed to meet even the most basic educational needs. The NPP argued that instead of providing these resources, the NDC allowed schools to remain underfunded and poorly equipped, leaving students and teachers without the necessary tools for learning.

The NPP also criticized Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s focus on infrastructure while overlooking the major achievements of the Akufo-Addo administration in the education sector. One of the most significant initiatives has been the implementation of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, which has provided over 1.6 million students with access to secondary education. The NPP pointed out that the Free SHS policy has opened doors for many students who otherwise would have been unable to afford secondary education, addressing a fundamental issue of access and equity.

In contrast, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s administration had left many education projects incomplete, with little to show in terms of tangible results. The NPP questioned her call for transparency regarding the number of schools completed under the current government, pointing out that during her time in office, there was a lack of accountability for unfinished or poorly executed education projects. They also asked why Prof. Opoku-Agyemang had not provided a clear alternative vision for education, as the NPP has done with policies such as Free SHS.

As the 2024 elections approach, NPP Germany has urged voters to reflect on the accomplishments of the current government, particularly in education, and to reject the rhetoric of the NDC. The NPP stressed that instead of focusing on criticizing the progress made by the Akufo-Addo administration, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang should take responsibility for the failures of her own tenure and reflect on the legacy she left behind.

The statement concluded by encouraging the electorate to support the NPP in the upcoming elections. NPP Germany reiterated their commitment to continuing the positive work of the Akufo-Addo government and ensuring a brighter, more prosperous future for Ghana. They called for a vote in favor of the NPP to continue the strides made in education and other vital sectors of the economy.