In a bold statement, Nana Oduro Panin Burikuran, the Chief of New Edubiase, has thrown his weight behind the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) free Senior High School (SHS) policy, describing it as the greatest intervention in Ghana’s education sector.
The chief’s endorsement comes as the NPP Vice Presidential Candidate, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, visited the New Edubiase Chief Palace on Monday, September 23, 2024.
Nana Oduro Panin Burikuran’s support for the free SHS policy is deeply personal. With three of his five children benefiting from the program, he emphasized the life-changing impact it has had on his household.
“I want the remaining two children to also enjoy free quality education,” he said, stressing that he cannot risk their future by trusting a leader who does not believe in free SHS.
The chief’s remarks are a clear rejection of John Dramani Mahama’s stance on free SHS. Mahama has faced criticism for his perceived lack of commitment to the policy, which has alleviated the burden on parents and guardians nationwide.
Background
The free SHS policy was introduced by the NPP government in 2017, aiming to provide quality education to all Ghanaian students, regardless of their financial background.
The policy has benefited millions of students across the country, with many chiefs and traditional leaders publicly endorsing its impact.
Nana Oduro Panin Burikuran’s endorsement is not an isolated incident. Other chiefs have also publicly supported the NPP’s free SHS policy.
-BY Daniel Bampoe