How could a poor community like us fund our children's education without Free SHS? – Sene chiefs

The Chiefs and people of Sene in the Bono East Region have expressed immense appreciation to the NPP, under the leadership of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, for the Free Senior High School social intervention.

Welcoming Dr. Bawumia to Kajaji in the Sene East Constituency on Monday October 15, 2024, at the beginning of his campaign tour of the Bono East Region, Nana Kwame Edeabe Ntosour, Benkumhene of the Traditional Council, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, praised President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Bawumia for establishing the Free SHS policy, which he said has been impactful and significantly beneficial to the poor.

"Everywhere in Ghana, many people admit that you and President Nana Akufo-Addo have done so well by spreading development," the Chief said.

"You have done well with so many projects. Road construction works and many others are ongoing, and recently, you have brought machines to further fix roads in our communities. These machines will help a lot to fix roads in the villages to link up with our town roads. We are really grateful."

"In addition to this, you have brought Free SHS to us and the nation. For poor communities like us, where would we be without Free SHS? Now, one would have required close to 4000 to 5000 Cedis to pay for a child to attend senior high school. Where would we have found the money?"

"By the grace of God, you have made it free for everyone, so all that a parent requires now is a transportation fee for the child to go to school because everything is free."

The Chief expressed optimism that Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia will be elected President of Ghana to continue the good works of the NPP and his own initiatives.

He, therefore, appealed to Dr. Bawumia to prioritize their ongoing development projects when he is sworn in as President in January.

"What we want to appeal to you is that whatever projects are left, you should prioritize them for us. You are the Vice President, and we know you'll be the President to continue what you are doing; that's why we are appealing to you."

"One of these projects we are so keen on is the Agenda 111 project, which we want you to complete for us."

Addressing the Chiefs, Vice President Bawumia said the Free Senior High School policy was instituted to help less privileged families and communities have equal access to education to help develop the country.

He added that the impact of Free SHS has been enormous, with over 5 million young Ghanaians benefiting in the past seven years.

"This is what former President Mahama and the NDC said was not possible, which they vehemently opposed. If we had listened to Mahama and the NDC, all these over 5 million young Ghanaians and families who benefited would not have benefited," Dr. Bawumia said.

The Vice President assured that as President, he will further strengthen the Free SHS policy so that it will continue to be better for all Ghanaians.