David Apasara
Former People’s National Convention (PNC) Member of Parliament (MP) for Bolgatanga Central, David Apasara, has commended the current Akufo-Addo administration for boldly implementing the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy.
“It is an expensive venture but it is good for the citizenry; it has lessened the burden of many parents and families. When I was in parliament I paid the school fees of many students. I am sure the pressure on many MPs has reduced. I called for free secondary education when I was the Member of Parliament and today the government is implementing it.”
Mr. Apasara, in an interview with the media, said in the past families sold valuable properties at ridiculous prices to help their wards to access secondary education.
The former legislator has joined other politicians outside the ruling party in the Upper East Region to openly commend the government for implementing the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy and offer suggestions to overcome the challenges.
Mr. Apasara asked government to secure permanent sources of funding for the policy and get a legislation to back it.
He called on government to make conscious effort to gradually expand infrastructure in the secondary schools in the country to reduce congestion.
He represented the Bolgatanga Central Constituency for two terms from 2001 to 2008.
He lost to the NDC’s Opam Brown in the 2008 parliamentary elections.
At a time when many seem to have ruled him out of the parliamentary race in the Bolgatanga Municipality, Mr. Apasara has hinted of a possible comeback.
“Since I left parliament, there have been other Members of Parliament and the people have seen them and assessed them, so if they want me back I can’t refuse.”
It’s unclear which constituency Mr. Apasara would contest if he makes up his mind because the then Bolgatanga Central Constituency has been divided into two- Bolgatanga Central and Bolgatanga East.
From Ebo Bruce-Quansah, Bolgatanga