POLITICS

How Ken Ofori-Atta, others nearly blocked Akufo-Addo from implementing Free SHS – Kabila explains

Former General Secretary of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), James Kwabena Bomfeh, popularly known as Kabila, has lauded President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for his determination in implementing the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy, despite facing criticism.

Speaking on a panel discussion on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo program on August 21, 2024, Kabila revealed that the president faced resistance not only from the public but also from members of his government.

He specifically mentioned the then Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, who had proposed a selective implementation of the Free SHS programme.

“People criticised the Free SHS to a certain stage, and if not because the president was brave enough to implement it, he would have dropped it.

“Including some of his own ministers, in fact, his Minister for Finance felt that there should have been a selective approach. But if you want it to be selective, which people are you going to choose for Free SHS?” Kabila remarked during the discussion.

Kabila emphasised the programme’s impact: “Today, Free SHS has come to eradicate all iniquities that were preventing people from attending school. We have to commend President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for that.”

The Free SHS policy, which has provided free secondary education to hundreds of thousands of Ghanaian students, has been widely praised as one of the president’s most significant legacies.

However, the policy has also sparked political debate, with former President John Dramani Mahama claiming credit for laying the foundation for the initiative by implementing it progressively during his tenure.

Source: www.ghanaweb.com

Ogyem Solomon

Solomon Ogyem – Media Entrepreneur | Journalist | Brand Ambassador Solomon Ogyem is a dynamic Ghanaian journalist and media entrepreneur currently based in South Africa. With a solid foundation in journalism, Solomon is a graduate of the OTEC School of Journalism and Communication Studies in Ghana and Oxbridge Academy in South Africa. He began his career as a reporter at OTEC 102.9 MHz in Kumasi, where he honed his skills in news reporting, community storytelling, and radio broadcasting. His passion for storytelling and dedication to the media industry led him to establish Press MltiMedia Company in South Africa—a growing platform committed to authentic African narratives and multimedia journalism. Solomon is the founder and owner of Thepressradio.com, a news portal focused on delivering credible, timely, and engaging stories across Ghana and Africa. He also owns Press Global Tickets, a service-driven venture in the travel and logistics space, providing reliable ticketing services. He previously owned two notable websites—Ghanaweb.mobi and ShowbizAfrica.net—both of which contributed to entertainment and socio-political discussions within Ghana’s digital space. With a diverse background in media, digital journalism, and business, Solomon Ogyem is dedicated to telling impactful African stories, empowering youth through media, and building cross-continental media partnerships.

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