If Free Education Is Possible, Then .....

Free Health Care Is Also Possible

I hope that anyone who reads this piece will take off his or her political lens and take a non-partisan look at the idea which I have to share with you all. Predominantly in Africa, when elections are approaching political parties make promises based on which they seek the mandate to serve the country. It is therefore not surprising that during every election year in Ghana, political parties intensify their campaign and in fact their promises.

The issue of development cannot be discussed in isolation from education. I believe that when one is educated, it automatically means empowerment. In fact, the difference between the rich and the poor is information. The rich man has the information that helps to make him rich, while the poor lacks that information which can turn his life around when it is discovered.

Education is what gives information that can enrich one in knowledge. For me, I will never down play the importance of education. Let me narrow down the argument to the promises of the political parties in Ghana especially during the last election year 2012. Our airwaves and print media and the like were flooded with policies from various political parties. One thing that took center stage was the various educational offers that these political parties pledged to offer Ghananians if given the mandate.

Some advocated for the expansion of the educational facilities while others preached free education at various levels. To me, anything that has to do with improvement of education is laudable. If I may ask, what has happened to the National Health Insurance Scheme? How well has it improved since 2008? What happened to the one time premium? Was it just a campaign promise? It is indeed noteworthy that, one needs to be healthy to enjoy any of these education packages.

The only thing that crosses my mind now is the fact that a healthy mind dwells in a healthy body. Quality health care is key to a country’s development just as education is. Seek first quality health care and all other things will follow Ghana needs to pay more attention to quality health care for its citizens. Looking at the country’s target for the Millennium Development Goals, there is more to be done in terms of health care. So I ask, if free education is possible why not free health care too? Hmmmmm……. I’m just thinking aloud!!!!!

Nana Abena Afriyie Kwarkye abenaafriyiekwarkye@yahoo.com