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The Minority in Ghana’s Parliament has officially expressed support for the forthcoming Free Senior High School (FSHS) Bill, aiming to dispel any rumors that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) would abolish the policy if they come into power. This endorsement comes ahead of the bill’s presentation to Parliament.
In a statement, Dr. Clement Apaak, Member of Parliament for Builsa South and Deputy Ranking Member on the Education Committee, emphasized that the Minority welcomes the proposed bill and is not opposed to the FSHS policy. He highlighted that the bill would ensure future governments uphold the policy, aligning with former President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to improving its implementation. Dr. Apaak pointed out issues like inadequate infrastructure, poor food quality, and irregular academic calendars as areas needing attention.
The government plans to introduce the FSHS Bill to Parliament soon, aiming to regulate and sustain the policy. During a Leaders’ Media Briefing on June 11, Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin stated that the bill’s objective is to enhance the policy’s effectiveness and sustainability, in line with the principles of Chapter 5 of the Constitution.
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Here is the full statement by the Minority:
WE ARE NOT OPPOSED TO A BILL ON FSHS BILL
We are not opposed to FSHS and therefore can not be opposed to a proposed bill to bind future governments to it. As John Dramani Mahama noted during his meeting with the national leadership of CHASS on May 8th, 2024, he will work with them and all stakeholders to make FSHS better.
Our Flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, has indicated time without number that, the FSHS policy is a good policy bedevilled with implementation challenges: inadequate academic and residential infrastructure; inadequate and poor quality food; inadequate furniture; erratic academic calendar, among others. John Dramani Mahama has pledged to address these challenges to make FSHS better.
So, while we wait to see the proposed bill and examine its contents in detail, in principle, we have no challenge supporting a bill seeking to ensure its future.
Dr. Clement Apaak
MP, Builsa South and Deputy Ranking Member, Education Committee of Parliament
