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

Kwasi Kwarteng, the former spokesperson for the Ministry of Education during the Akufo-Addo administration, has issued a challenge to the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) to demonstrate their capability in managing the Free Senior High School (SHS) program, particularly in relation to the quality of food served to students.
In an interview with Oyerepa TV on January 9, 2025, Kwarteng responded to the NDC’s past criticisms of the food quality provided under the Free SHS initiative. He pointed out that while the NDC had heavily criticized the program when they were in opposition, they now have the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to improve the situation. He challenged the current government to move beyond criticism and take action that would substantiate their claims.
“The NDC has criticized the food we provided to Free SHS students, claiming it was not good enough. Now that they are in power, it’s time for them to prove they can do better,” Kwarteng remarked. He went on to suggest that the NDC should go above and beyond in providing nutritious meals for students, perhaps offering high-end dining options to showcase their competence in managing the program. “Maybe they can take the students to places like Kempinski and Lancaster three times a day. Let’s see how well they can handle the responsibility,” he added provocatively.
Kwarteng emphasized that the criticism against the previous administration was largely driven by political rivalry. He expressed frustration with the political nature of such complaints, urging the NDC to stop pointing fingers and instead focus on proving their ability to make meaningful changes. “If they are truly committed to improving Free SHS, they need to stop talking and start taking action,” Kwarteng continued. He underscored that the NDC should stop dwelling on past grievances and focus on delivering quality education and services to the students.
The NDC, during their time in opposition, frequently criticized the Free SHS program for what they described as substandard meals and poor management. They raised concerns about expired food and inadequate provisions for students. Now that the NDC has assumed power, the party faces the challenge of addressing these same concerns and showing the public that they can effectively manage the Free SHS program.
Kwarteng’s remarks were not only aimed at encouraging the NDC to improve food provisions for Free SHS students, but also at holding the party accountable for the promises they made while in opposition. He suggested that the NDC could set an example by offering students premium meals at high-end hotels or restaurants. “Perhaps on weekends, they can provide students with lavish meals at these five-star establishments. It would be a real demonstration of their competence,” he added with a sense of irony.
The conversation around Free SHS has long been one of the most contentious issues in Ghanaian politics. While the program has been widely praised for providing education to thousands of students, it has also faced criticism, especially in regard to the quality of food and other resources provided to students. The ongoing debate about these issues has only intensified since the NDC assumed office, with many questioning whether the party can improve upon the program’s shortcomings.
Kwarteng’s challenge is seen as a call for the NDC to demonstrate their ability to manage the Free SHS initiative effectively and prove that they can live up to the criticisms they made while in opposition. It highlights the larger issue of accountability and the expectations placed on the government to deliver on their promises to students.
Kwarteng’s challenge to the NDC is an invitation for the current government to move beyond mere rhetoric and showcase their capacity to manage the Free SHS program in a way that addresses the concerns they once raised. The pressure is now on the NDC to not only improve the food quality for students but also to prove their competence in running the program effectively. As the debate continues, all eyes will be on the government to fulfill its promises and provide tangible solutions to the issues that have been raised.