In a passionate show of support, the Free Senior High School (SHS) Beneficiary Movement has officially declared its endorsement of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government ahead of the 2024 general elections.
At a press conference held earlier today, the National President of the movement, Elder Lucky Obeng Acheampong, urged Ghanaians, particularly parents and guardians, to vote massively for the NPP on December 7, 2024. He highlighted the immense benefits of the Free SHS policy, which has significantly reduced the financial burden on families and increased access to secondary education across the country.
“Education is the bedrock of development, and the Free SHS policy has been a game-changer for many families. We must ensure its continuity by voting for the NPP government, which introduced this life-transforming initiative,” Elder Acheampong stated.
He further explained that the policy has offered countless students the opportunity to pursue quality education, irrespective of their financial status, and has bridged the gap between rural and urban educational opportunities.
Several parents and beneficiaries of the Free SHS policy who were present at the press conference shared their heartfelt gratitude to the NPP government for implementing the policy. They expressed how it had lifted them out of financial difficulties while ensuring their children received a solid education.
“My daughter is currently in her final year in senior high school, something I thought was impossible because of my financial struggles. This policy has been a blessing to my family,” one emotional parent shared.
A student beneficiary also added, “Without Free SHS, I would have been at home helping on the farm. Today, I am preparing for my final exams and dreaming of becoming a doctor.”
The Free SHS policy, introduced in 2017, has seen over 1.6 million students gain access to free secondary education, covering tuition, textbooks, meals, and other essential costs. The policy has been lauded both locally and internationally as a major step towards improving education and reducing inequality in Ghana.
The movement’s declaration of support for the NPP and its flagbearer, Dr. Bawumia, comes at a crucial time as political parties gear up for the December elections. The group emphasized the need to safeguard the gains made in education under the NPP government and urged Ghanaians to consider the future of their children when casting their votes.
As the election season intensifies, the Free SHS Beneficiary Movement’s endorsement is expected to add momentum to the NPP’s campaign, particularly among parents, guardians, and the youth who have directly benefited from the policy.
By Simon Opoku Afriyie