In a significant political development, a group of opposition National Democratic Congress, NDC youth in the Kpatinga community of the Gushegu Constituency have defected to the NPP, citing the Free SHS policy as their reason for abandoning their former party.
The move comes during the campaign rounds of Hassan Tampuli, the New Patriotic Party parliamentary candidate for the Gushegu Constituency.
According to the leader of the defecting group, they faced numerous challenges in pursuing their secondary education due to financial constraints.
However, with the introduction of the Free SHS policy by the NPP government in 2017, they were able to continue their studies without financial burden.
This, they say, has been a game-changer for them, and they are now committed to becoming ambassadors for the NPP and the Free SHS policy in the Gushegu Constituency.
The defecting youth also praised Hassan Tampuli, the incumbent MP for Gushegu, for his numerous developmental projects in the area.
They pledged to work tirelessly for his reelection to ensure the continuation of his good works.
This development is seen as a significant boost to the NPP’s campaign in the Gushegu Constituency, with many believing that both Tampuli and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP’s presidential candidate, will win convincingly in the December 7, 2024, elections.
The Free SHS policy, introduced by the NPP government in 2017, has been a highly popular initiative, aimed at increasing access to secondary education for all Ghanaian students.
The policy has been credited with increasing enrollment rates and reducing the financial burden on parents and guardians.
The defection of the NDC youth in Kpatinga is a testament to the impact of the Free SHS policy on the lives of young Ghanaians and a clear indication of the NPP’s commitment to education and youth development.
-BY Daniel Bampoe