The National Democratic Congress (NDC) vice-presidential candidate, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, has come under fire from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) branch in Germany for her critiques of the NPP’s education policies. During a campaign stop in Gushiegu, Opoku-Agyemang described the government’s actions towards education, specifically the renovation of existing schools, as misleading, claiming they were merely “spruced up” and presented falsely as new. Her assertion revolves around the belief that schools should be completed with stocked libraries, furnished classrooms, and equipped computer rooms before being commissioned. In response, NPP Germany rebuffed her comments, suggesting they indicate a lack of self-awareness and a concerning forgetfulness about her own time in the education sector.
The NPP Germany has made it clear that Opoku-Agyemang’s tenure as Education Minister resulted in significant challenges to the educational landscape of Ghana. They pointedly asked why it was wrong to refurbish and improve existing schools given that NPP had inherited a sector fraught with neglected projects and insufficient facilities. The NPP Germany highlighted that during Opoku-Agyemang’s administration, teachers were often left without basic supplies, even chalk, sparking concerns over her ability to criticize current efforts related to quality education.
Within their press release, the NPP Germany emphasized that the renovation and improvement of schools should not be dismissed and that visible progress is vital to providing students with better learning environments. They argue that good governance involves enhancing existing conditions rather than abandoning them for seemingly grander pursuits. The press release illustrated their stance by questioning Opoku-Agyemang’s legacy as a leader, exposing the irony in her critique, given the unfortunate state of educational supplies during her time in office.
Furthermore, NPP Germany challenged Opoku-Agyemang’s insistence on adequate resources, such as fully stocked libraries and developed computer rooms, arguing that her government failed to meet even basic educational needs. They criticized her for not providing transparency regarding her administration’s failures, contrasting that with the NPP’s record of implementing significant initiatives such as the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, which has greatly benefited over 1.6 million students since it was introduced. This perceived failure by Opoku-Agyemang’s administration raises questions about her credibility in making bold claims against current educational reforms.
The NPP Germany asserted that Opoku-Agyemang’s allegations that the NPP has mismanaged the education sector are unfounded and dismissive of the progress made under their governance. They pointed out that initiatives like the Free SHS policy have expanded access to education for disadvantaged students, suggesting that constructive critiques should also come with viable alternatives to address existing issues. The NPP Germany urged voters to reflect on the tangible results rather than mere rhetoric as the 2024 elections loom closer.
In closing, NPP Germany appealed to Ghanaians to choose continuity with the NPP over the NDC in the upcoming elections. They asserted that the NPP’s administration has been focused on building a brighter future for Ghana through progressive educational policies. They celebrated the achievements of President Akufo-Addo’s government, expressing optimism for forthcoming years and imploring voters to recognize the need for a nurturing educational environment, thereby continuing to support the NPP’s mission. The overarching message from NPP Germany encourages voters to dismiss unfounded criticism, embrace accountability, and advocate for the preservation of effective governance as they head toward the upcoming electoral decision.
