The Minority Caucus in Parliament has announced its intention to advocate for a specific funding mechanism for the Free Senior High School (SHS) program within the forthcoming government bill.
This declaration comes after the Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, revealed on Tuesday, June 11, the government’s intention to propose legislation to ensure the continuity of the Free SHS policy.
Ranking Member on the Education Committee in Parliament, Peter Nortsu-Kotoe, stressed that the opposition is committed to thoroughly examining the bill to ensure its longevity and effectiveness.
“Is there going to be any dedicated funding for the free SHS? I will demand that, and that will be my first preoccupation. Because you just don’t come and bring a bill, and then the bill says that no government should change anything about the Free SHS. You cannot do that. It is only the constitution that can make entrenched provisions, but not an act of Parliament, so we will look at all those things when the bill is presented”
Hon. Peter Nortsu further stated that the government is attempting to weaponize the policy for political gain against the NDC. However, he asserted that this strategy would be unsuccessful, as the Minority is committed to conducting a comprehensive investigation of the bill once it is presented to Parliament.
“You have six months to leave office, then you are coming to give it [Free SHS] legal backing to tie the hands of any government that will succeed you. That is what they want to do. And then thinking that they will use it as a political tool, or that when they brought it to Parliament, NDC opposed it”
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Story by : Cindy Selasi Humade | univers.ug.edu.gh
