Protect Free SHS, Vote Bawumia – Collins Owusu Amankwah

Ghanaians, on Saturday December 7 have the choice between voting to protect the gains of the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) initiative of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) or voting to put the policy in harm’s way, Collins Owuwu Amankwah, former Member of Parliament for Manhyia North has said.

He urged Ghanaians to prioritize safeguarding the Free SHS initiative as the nation heads to the polls this Saturday because the education is key to development.

The former MP who spoke on behalf of the Ashanti Heritage Platform (AHP) highlighted the critical need for voters to make decisions that protect the future of the country’s youth and resist temptations that could undermine progress.

“Fellow Ghanaians,” he began, “we stand on the brink of an important opportunity—a chance to cast our ballots and shape the future leadership of our beloved country. Together, we face a critical choice: to uphold the principles of an educated society or to compromise the future of our youth for a mere 1,000.”

Collins Owusu Amankwaa also questioned the feasibility of recent NDC promises concerning Free SHS. “Today, they speak of the Free SHS program, which costs approximately 18,000 annually for each student. Why would you entertain the idea of accepting 1,000 and vote against this initiative, knowing full well that the NDC has made it clear they would abolish it if elected?”

He emphasized that while frustrations with unmet expectations might tempt some voters to support the opposition, such a decision would only worsen the country’s circumstances. Instead, he urged voters to support Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), highlighting their commitment to sustaining Free SHS and advancing Ghana’s development.

“Let us not allow our frustrations or unmet expectations to drive us to support a party that would ultimately worsen our circumstances,” Owusu Amankwaa appealed. “We must unite in our support for Dr. Bawumia and the NPP to preserve the Free SHS program and foster the continuation of numerous projects that benefit our nation.”

The former lawmaker alleged that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has been enticing voters with monetary promises, urging citizens to remain vigilant. He expressed deep concern that voting for the NDC could jeopardize the Free SHS program, which he described as transformative for countless Ghanaian families.

“Think back to when the NDC promised a one-time premium under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). During their time in power, they nearly undermined this essential service,” he reminded the public. “Similarly, when former President Kufuor introduced the groundbreaking four-year secondary education system—producing excellent results—the NDC opposed it and dismantled it upon returning to power.”