Collins Owusu Amankwah
Former Member of Parliament for Manhyia North, Collins Owusu Amankwah, has urged Ghanaians to prioritise safeguarding the Free Senior High School (SHS) initiative, as the nation heads to the polls this Saturday.
In a heartfelt message, the former MP, who spoke on behalf of the Ashanti Heritage Platform (AHP), highlighted the critical need for voters to make decisions that protect the future of the country’s youth, and resist temptations that could undermine progress.
“Fellow Ghanaians,” he began, “we stand on the brink of an important opportunity—a chance to cast our ballots and shape the future leadership of our beloved country. Together, we face a critical choice: to uphold the principles of an educated society or to compromise the future of our youth for a mere 1,000.”
The former lawmaker alleged that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has been enticing voters with monetary promises, urging citizens to remain vigilant.
He expressed deep concern that voting for the NDC could jeopardise the Free SHS programme, which he described as transformative for countless Ghanaian families.
“Think back to when the NDC promised a one-time premium under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). During their time in power, they nearly undermined this essential service,” he reminded the public. “Similarly, when former President Kufuor introduced the groundbreaking four-year secondary education system—producing excellent results—the NDC opposed it and dismantled it upon returning to power,” he disclosed.
Mr. Amankwah also questioned the feasibility of recent NDC promises concerning Free SHS.
“Today, they speak of the Free SHS programme, which costs approximately 18,000 annually for each student. Why would you entertain the idea of accepting 1,000 and vote against this initiative, knowing full well that the NDC has made it clear they would abolish it if elected?” he questioned.
He emphasised that while frustrations with unmet expectations might tempt some voters to support the opposition, such a decision would only worsen the country’s circumstances.
Instead, he urged voters to support Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), highlighting their commitment to sustaining Free SHS and advancing Ghana’s development.
“Let us not allow our frustrations or unmet expectations to drive us to support a party that would ultimately worsen our circumstances,” Owusu Amankwah appealed.
He added that “we must unite in our support for Dr. Bawumia and the NPP to preserve the Free SHS programme and foster the continuation of numerous projects that benefit our nation.”
By Samuel Boadi