The Vice President and NPP Flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has called on Ghanaians to safeguard the educational gains made by the current government by voting in support of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and its candidates in the upcoming December 7 general elections.

Speaking through a statement read on his behalf by the Chief of Staff, Madam Akosua Frema Osei Opare, during the launch of the National Education Week 2024 in Accra, Dr. Bawumia emphasized the need for voters to protect policies that have significantly contributed to the country’s educational transformation.

The week-long event, themed “The Education Transformation Agenda; Evidence from 2017,” brought together educational experts from around the globe to discuss Ghana’s educational progress, share best practices, and exchange ideas.

Dr. Bawumia highlighted that the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo-led government’s investments in education, particularly the landmark Free Senior High School (FSHS) policy, had driven significant development in the sector.

The NPP flagbearer noted that since the introduction of the Free SHS initiative in 2017, the government had spent billions of cedis to ensure that all eligible students, regardless of their financial background, have access to secondary education. This, Dr. Bawumia noted, had led to increased enrollment, greater gender parity in schools, and improved outcomes in various disciplines.

“Since 2017, we have seen a remarkable transformation in the educational landscape of Ghana. Free Senior High School is one of the greatest successes of our government, and it is a policy we must protect,” Dr. Bawumia said. He urged the public to ensure that these educational gains are not rolled back by voting against any party or individual that seeks to cancel or undermine the policy.

Dr. Bawumia further cautioned voters to make their decisions based on sound judgment and the genuine welfare of the people, not on political propaganda. He also warned against politicians who, according to him, might focus solely on winning elections without a true commitment to the nation’s development. “We must not allow ourselves to be deceived by empty promises. This election is about securing the future of our children and the progress of this country,” he added.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, commended President Akufo-Addo for his leadership in advancing the country’s education agenda. Dr. Adutwum praised the Chief of Staff for her supportive role in his journey, both as Deputy Minister and later as Minister for Education. He affirmed his commitment to further developing the education sector and contributing to the nation’s overall progress.

“I pledge to continue working tirelessly to ensure that the educational reforms initiated by this government are consolidated and expanded. We are building an education system that will benefit generations to come,” Dr. Adutwum indicated.