The National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, has outlined plans aimed at revamping Ghana’s educational system and addressing the challenges facing the sector. These proposals form a key part of the NDC’s youth manifesto, highlighting a strong commitment to education if Mahama is elected in the upcoming elections.
Notably, these reforms include a comprehensive plan to enhance the Free Senior High School (SHS) program, which has faced significant criticism in recent weeks. During the manifesto reading on August 12, Mahama emphasized the need for improved infrastructure and sustainable funding in the educational sector. He proposed decentralizing the procurement of food and other essential supplies, giving headmasters the autonomy to make purchases that would benefit their schools and boost local economies. Mahama argued that this shift would not only improve the quality of food provided to students but also strengthen economic activities in the districts where the schools are located.
Mahama also highlighted the importance of expanding access to education to increase student intake in senior high schools across the country. “We shall expand access by building more infrastructure in existing secondary schools, and we shall dedicate funding to completing the E-blocks, ensuring that more children have the opportunity to go to school,” he stated.
One of the most significant changes proposed by Mahama is the abolition of the double-track system, which has been a contentious issue since its implementation. He criticized the system for disrupting the academic calendar and causing unnecessary stress for students. “Our kids will not come and stay at home for four months and then go back to school, having forgotten everything they learned in the previous term,” he said, promising that under his administration, all students would attend school simultaneously and follow a unified academic schedule.
Beyond secondary education, Mahama addressed the financial barriers faced by tertiary students, particularly in securing affordable accommodation. He announced plans to partner with the private sector to develop affordable on-campus housing, utilizing the vast tracts of land owned by universities. This initiative, dubbed the “Bed for All” program, would involve the construction of uniform, cost-effective hostels across all campuses, providing much-needed relief to students struggling with housing issues.
To further support tertiary students, Mahama proposed the ‘No Fee Stress Initiative,’ which would offer academic fee-payment assistance to first-year students at all universities across the country. He also emphasized efforts to support continuing students through the Student Loan Trust Fund (SLTF). This initiative aims to ease the financial burden on students, allowing them to focus on their studies without the constant worry of tuition fees.
In addressing the recruitment and retention of teachers, Mahama promised to implement a continuous recruitment policy for teachers and nurses, particularly in underserved areas, ensuring that these vital sectors are consistently staffed. He also announced plans to abolish the Teacher Licensure Examination, integrate teacher licensing into the final year program in colleges of education, and develop strategies to improve teacher accommodation in rural areas, offering incentives to encourage educators to accept postings in these often-neglected regions.
