Free SHS: Only a government without vision would introduce the double-track system

Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has strongly criticized the implementation of the double-track system under the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy by the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). Addressing residents during a community engagement at Kwapra, a suburb of Suame in the Ashanti Region, Asiedu Nketiah raised serious concerns about the negative effects of the policy on Ghana’s education system, particularly its impact on students’ well-being and overall academic experience.

Asiedu Nketiah described the introduction of the double-track system as a flawed decision, arguing that only a government without foresight would have implemented such a measure. According to him, the policy was introduced without adequate preparation, leading to significant infrastructure challenges. He questioned the readiness of the NPP government to manage the Free SHS initiative, which has resulted in overcrowded classrooms and a lack of resources for both students and teachers. He pointed out that, under the NPP, no new school infrastructure had been added to accommodate the influx of students caused by the policy, leaving the education system ill-prepared to handle the increased demand.

The NDC Chairman also highlighted the social consequences of the poorly executed policy, particularly among the youth. He attributed the rise in teenage pregnancies and drug abuse among students to the flaws in the double-track system, which has caused many students to spend long hours in poorly equipped classrooms. He argued that the lack of proper supervision, combined with the overcrowding in schools, has created an environment that fosters negative peer influences, undermining the educational experience for many students.

In addition to the academic and social issues caused by the policy, Asiedu Nketiah raised concerns about the financial mismanagement within the Free SHS program. He alleged that the NPP government was profiting from the food provided to students, claiming that some students were repeatedly served the same meals for extended periods. This, according to him, is a sign of inefficiency and corruption within the system, where government resources meant to improve the educational experience are being misused.

Asiedu Nketiah made it clear that the NDC would address these issues if it were given the opportunity to govern. He assured Ghanaians that an NDC-led government would review the double-track system and make the necessary changes to ensure that the education system is more effective and supportive of students’ needs. He promised that under an NDC administration, there would be a renewed focus on improving the infrastructure of schools, reducing overcrowding in classrooms, and ensuring that both students and teachers have the resources they need to succeed.

The NDC Chairman emphasized that the party is committed to creating a more conducive learning environment for students, which would ultimately lead to improved academic outcomes. He stressed that the NDC would prioritize long-term solutions rather than relying on quick fixes that fail to address the underlying challenges facing the education system. He also pointed to the importance of ensuring that all students have access to quality education, regardless of their socioeconomic background.

In conclusion, Asiedu Nketiah’s remarks reflect the NDC’s ongoing opposition to the current Free SHS policy, particularly the double-track system. While the party acknowledges the importance of providing free education, it insists that the policy must be implemented in a way that addresses the existing infrastructure gaps and ensures that students receive the quality of education they deserve. He reiterated the NDC’s commitment to improving the education system by focusing on infrastructure development, better resource allocation, and a more thoughtful approach to managing the growing number of students in the system.

Asiedu Nketiah’s criticism of the Free SHS policy underscores the NDC’s broader concerns about the NPP’s governance and its handling of critical issues like education. He called for more careful planning, adequate funding, and greater attention to the well-being of students, urging the government to take a more thoughtful approach to reforming the education sector. The NDC remains committed to making Ghana’s education system more accessible, inclusive, and effective, ensuring that future generations are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed.