Former President John Dramani Mahama, the Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has vowed to eliminate the double-track system in senior high schools (SHS) if he wins the upcoming election.
He announced his intention to enhance the Free SHS Policy, ensuring that students have a consistent school schedule.
“We do not want the situation whereby our children come home and stay for four months before going back to school,” Mahama said during the launch of the 2024 NDC campaign in Tamale on Saturday. He emphasized that the NDC, in consultation with teachers and education stakeholders, would implement an improved Free SHS Policy.
Additionally, Mahama promised partnerships with the private sector to build hostels on university campuses, addressing safety concerns for students who currently live off-campus. He also pledged to improve the National Health Insurance Scheme to make healthcare more accessible and affordable.
During his address to party supporters at the Jubilee Park in Tamale, Mahama criticized the current government, claiming the country was headed in the wrong direction and emphasizing the need for change.
He expressed confidence in his ability to reset the country’s fortunes within four years, contrasting his leadership with what he described as the failure of the current administration.
“Let us not lose hope. The next NDC government is the government that will restore hope and create opportunities for the youth. NDC has the men and women who are capable of turning around the fortunes of the country,” he declared.
Mahama also stressed his commitment to strengthening institutions such as Parliament and the Judiciary to uphold democracy and ensure accountability.
The NDC plans to launch its manifesto before the end of next month in the Central Region. Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Mahama’s Running Mate, highlighted plans to establish a Women’s Development Bank to provide low-interest loans to women, enabling them to engage in profitable ventures.
NDC National Chairman Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketiah called on President Nana Akufo-Addo to ensure a peaceful transition of power if he loses the election, emphasizing the President’s responsibility to the nation.
He urged Akufo-Addo to publicly declare his commitment to a peaceful handover, stressing the importance of setting a positive tone for the upcoming elections.
NDC General Secretary Mr. Fifi Fiavi Kwetey described the December 7 election as a crucial battle to defeat the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and end what he described as the country’s destruction and decay.
He warned that failing to defeat the NPP would send a message that mismanaging the country could still result in electoral victory, which he argued would be detrimental to the nation.
