During a recent campaign event in Atasemanso, Ashanti Region, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), publicly condemned a doctored video that falsely attributed a statement to him regarding the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) program. The manipulated footage suggested that he promised to abolish the Free SHS initiative if the NDC regained power. Nketia vehemently denied these claims, accusing the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) of orchestrating the video as part of a campaign strategy intended to mislead voters. He emphasized the importance of integrity and accused the media outlets broadcasting the doctored footage of defamation, indicating that legal action would follow.
Nketia clarified that he has never advocated for the cancellation of the Free SHS program. Instead, he acknowledged the program’s existence but highlighted concerns particularly with the double-track system, which he believes has created significant challenges in the educational landscape. He stated that should the NDC return to power, this system would be abolished to improve educational quality and address existing inefficiencies that hamper the development of Ghana’s educational sector. His commentary aimed to assure voters of the NDC’s commitment to enhancing educational outcomes, diverging from the narratives perpetuated by the NPP.
Furthermore, Nketia pointed out that the NPP heavily relies on the Free SHS program as their cornerstone campaign message, suggesting that the party has failed to deliver on other critical promises made to Ghanaians. By shifting the focus from their broader governance failures, he argued that the NPP is seeking to deflect attention from its governance shortcomings. In his view, the NPP’s reliance on this singular narrative illustrates their inability to address the multifaceted needs of the citizenry, thereby offering the NDC a platform for presenting its comprehensive vision for national education and governance.
As the political landscape heats up ahead of the elections, Nketia urged voters to reject misleading narratives and the accompanying tactics employed by the NPP. He called on the public to remain vigilant against misinformation and to support the NDC as a party capable of responsible governance. By contrasting the NDC’s intentions with the NPP’s alleged mismanagement and divisive practices, he sought to rally support for his party’s vision for a more equitable and effective approach to governance in Ghana.
In addition to addressing educational reforms, Nketia promised an array of policies that would aim to elevate Ghana’s educational sector comprehensively. This would include improving infrastructure, access, and the overall quality of education in the country. He posited that the NDC’s initiatives could foster a more conducive learning environment, ultimately benefitting Ghana’s youth and establishing a solid foundation for the nation’s future. His remarks were framed within a broader narrative of enhancing societal welfare through effective governance, responding directly to perceived failings of the incumbent government.
In closing, Nketia underlined his commitment to transparency and truth in political discourse, challenging media outlets to engage responsibly rather than perpetuating falsehoods. By announcing intentions to pursue legal action against those disseminating the defamatory video, he highlighted the importance of protecting one’s reputation in the face of political attacks. His call to action urged Ghanaians to remain informed and proactive in rejecting divisive politics, reinforcing the need for a united front in the pursuit of progress and responsible governance in the lead-up to the elections.
