Kwasi Kwarteng Challenges NDC to Provide Meals for SHS Students at Kempinski and Lancaster

Kwasi Kwarteng, the former spokesperson for the Ministry of Education under the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo administration, has called on the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) to prove their ability to manage the Free Senior High School (SHS) programme effectively. His challenge comes after the NDC, during their time in opposition, criticized the previous government’s handling of the Free SHS initiative, particularly the quality of food provided to students.
In a recent interview on Oyerepa TV on January 9, 2025, Kwarteng expressed his dissatisfaction with the NDC’s previous remarks regarding the food served to SHS students, which he argued were politically motivated. He reminded the NDC of the criticisms they made when they were in opposition, accusing the previous administration of providing substandard and even expired food to students. He then turned the tables, urging the current government to now demonstrate their capability to address these concerns with real action.
Kwarteng’s challenge to the NDC was clear: if they believe the quality of food for Free SHS students can be improved, they should show it by significantly raising the standards. He suggested that, rather than just making statements, the NDC should take the bold step of providing students with high-end dining options, which would demonstrate their competence in managing the education sector.
“They criticised the food we provided for Free SHS students, saying it wasn’t good enough. Now that they’re in power, let’s see them feed the students in grand style. Perhaps they can take them to places like Kempinski and Lancaster three times a day so everyone can see how capable they are of managing the education sector,” Kwarteng remarked. His tongue-in-cheek suggestion emphasized the disconnect between political rhetoric and the practical steps necessary to improve the Free SHS programme.
Further elaborating on his point, Kwarteng even proposed that, on weekends, the government could treat students to luxurious meals at top-tier establishments, including those with five-star reputations. “Maybe on Saturdays, they can also treat the students to luxurious meals at these five-star establishments in the morning, afternoon, and evening,” he added, underscoring the gap between the promises made by the NDC and the reality of meeting those expectations.
Kwarteng’s remarks also touched on what he referred to as “organic politics,” a term he used to describe the politically charged nature of the criticisms surrounding the Free SHS programme. He suggested that much of the criticism from the NDC has been driven by political rivalry rather than genuine concern for the well-being of the students. According to Kwarteng, the time for mere words and critiques is over. He called on the NDC to move beyond their previous complaints and prove that they have the capacity to manage the Free SHS initiative effectively.
The NDC, while in opposition, had frequently criticized the Free SHS programme, highlighting concerns over food quality, the distribution of resources, and the overall management of the policy. They argued that the food provided to students was not only inadequate but sometimes of poor quality, leading to public outcry. However, now that the NDC is in power, they are under increased pressure to show how they can address these issues and improve the system they once harshly criticized.
Kwarteng’s challenge reflects the growing scrutiny the NDC faces as they now hold the reins of government. The Free SHS policy was one of the flagship initiatives of the previous administration, and despite its successes, it faced some criticisms, particularly around logistical challenges like food quality and distribution. Now, the NDC must prove they can not only manage these challenges but also elevate the programme to new heights, as they promised during their time in opposition.
Kwarteng’s comments reflect a broader concern about political consistency and accountability. He urged the NDC to move beyond their previous criticisms and deliver on their promises by showing concrete improvements in the Free SHS programme. By suggesting that the NDC should provide high-end dining options and improve the overall quality of food for students, Kwarteng emphasized the need for the current government to prove their ability to manage the programme effectively and demonstrate that they can better the system they once criticized.