Free SHS Has Seen Significant Improvements Under Mahama, Not Suffering - Haruna Iddrisu Replies Bawumia

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has rejected claims by former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia that the Free Senior High School programme is facing challenges under the current government.

Responding to comments attributed to the NPP flagbearer at the party's National Delegates Conference in Kumasi over the weekend, Mr Iddrisu said the programme has seen significant improvements under the NDC government led by President John Dramani Mahama.

"At the weekend, the New Patriotic Party leadership were in Kumasi for the election of its national leaders. I congratulate those who emerged... But significant at that forum was comments attributed to the flag bearer and presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party to wit when he said that the Free Senior High School is suffering," the Minister said.

"I don't want to believe that the Free Senior High School did not suffer in the last decade or eight years and that every qualified BECE student got admission to a free secondary school of his or her choice. That practically was impossible and therefore Dr Mahamudu Bawumia must come again when he says that the Free Senior High School is suffering. Maybe to remind him that it was suffering under him and that required us as a government to review the implementation of the Free Senior High School," he added.

Mr Iddrisu also dismissed claims that students have no meals in schools, describing it as untrue.

"Also attributed to him was that he says the students have no meals. That is economically begging the truth. President John Dramani Mahama has reviewed the Free Senior High School and its funding mechanism for feeding with the uncapping of the GETFund," he stated.

The Minister said government has improved funding and feeding arrangements for schools, contrary to suggestions that the programme is collapsing, and urged Dr Bawumia to reconsider his claims as he may have been misinformed.