Akufo-Addo running away from his 'Free SHS' promise – Minority allege

Minority in Parliament has pledged to ensure that President Akufo-Addo keeps to all the promises he made in the run up to the 2016 general election.

The minority in a press conference held at parliament on Wednesday February 22 revealed alleged conflicting statements made by President Akufo-Addo during the State of Nation Address to Parliament on Tuesday.

According to former Deputy Education Minister in charge of tertiary education, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the President was cleverly backtracking on his initial promise to fully fund all students in high school under the free senior high school initiative.

Comparing his speech delivered at the 60th anniversary of the Okuapiman High School and that of the State of Nation Address to parliament, Okudzeto pointed out differences in government’s stance on the free SHS policy.

“…So a clever way of trying to shift. During the campaign, even as recent as 11th February you said all students. That is why you were voted for because you knew that most of the students in high school were 18 years and above. So they were expecting it and voted for you. Now you backtracking saying new entrants. That is why we are saying today that we will hold him accountable to his promises.”

The minority also reechoed their version of free senior high school explaining that it was all inclusive and focused more on students in deprived communities.

The minority also acted to other issues they alleged were misrepresented or ignored by the president during his maiden State of the Nation Address.