John Dramani Mahama, Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has justified his proposal to dissolve the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) Secretariat, citing issues of corruption and inefficiency in its current structure.
During an interview with the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) on Friday, November 29, 2024, Mr. Mahama elaborated on his plans to streamline the administration of the Free SHS policy, aiming to enhance accountability and eliminate waste.
If elected President, Mr. Mahama intends to shift the management of the programme to the Ghana Education Service (GES). He argued that this approach would integrate the initiative into a more robust institutional framework, allowing for improved oversight and efficiency.
“We need to collectively assess the policy’s shortcomings and address them. This government is notorious for creating redundant offices that lead to waste. The GES, which already oversees the educational sector, is well-equipped to manage the programme,” he stated.
Mr. Mahama criticized the existence of the standalone Free SHS Secretariat, claiming it had become a hub of mismanagement and corruption. “I’ve heard reports of rot within the Secretariat. It’s time to reintegrate its functions into the GES, where Senior High School coordinators will remain in their roles but operate under proper supervision,” he explained.
He emphasized that restructuring the administration of Free SHS under the GES would ensure greater efficiency, curbing unnecessary spending while maintaining the programme’s core objectives.
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