A large gathering of supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) took place in the Bosomtwe Constituency, where thousands of beneficiaries of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy participated in a walk to show their support for the party in anticipation of the upcoming 2024 elections. The event attracted students, parents, and prominent party members, including the Education Minister, Dr. Osei Yaw Adutwum, highlighting the policy’s impact on many families across Ghana. The Free SHS initiative, initiated by President Nana Akufo-Addo in 2017, is touted as a flagship program of the NPP, which has significantly increased access to secondary education for students nationwide.
During the event, Nana Afra Sika Mensah, the Deputy Coordinator for the Free SHS policy, took the opportunity to underscore the importance of the initiative, asserting that it has benefited nearly every household in the country. She encouraged attendees to support the NPP in the election by highlighting the party’s commitment to sustaining and developing the program. Mensah stressed that the future of Free SHS, along with improvements in the educational sector, depends on the continuation of NPP governance and specifically mentioned that only Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia could take the policy further.
In his remarks, Education Minister Dr. Osei Yaw Adutwum reinforced the arguments for the NPP’s educational investments. He pointed out that the NPP has consistently demonstrated a commitment to enhancing the quality of education and insisted that this dedication has positioned the party as the most trustworthy option for leading Ghana’s education system. His appeal to the electorate was clear: a vote for the NPP is a vote for the continued success of Free SHS and overall improvements in education.
The Free SHS policy, which eliminates tuition fees for senior high school students, has changed the educational landscape in Ghana by allowing more students from diverse backgrounds to access secondary education. This program reflects the NPP’s broader strategic goals of improving human capital and investing in the country’s future by ensuring young people receive quality education without the burden of financial constraints. As the party prepares for the elections, the emphasis on Free SHS serves as a central theme of their campaign, showcasing tangible benefits that resonate with voters.
The walk was not only a demonstration of support for the NPP but also served as a platform for mobilizing the youth and parents around the successes of the Free SHS initiative. The presence of high-profile party officials highlights the seriousness with which the NPP approaches the upcoming election campaign, understanding that education is a key issue for many voters. By rallying stakeholders and beneficiaries, the party aims to solidify its base and gain the confidence of undecided voters through demonstrated commitment to a policy that has broad appeal.
As the 2024 elections loom closer, the NPP’s reliance on the Free SHS policy as a cornerstone of their platform underscores the political significance of this educational initiative. With the program being central to the party’s identity and governance strategy, the NPP is banking on the goodwill generated by Free SHS to secure votes. The event in Bosomtwe showcases a strategic approach to campaigning that leverages success stories and personal testimonials from beneficiaries, which the party hopes will translate into electoral success in the upcoming polls.
