By King Amoah
In a recent address that has stirred discussions across Ghana, retired educationist Richmond Okyere has directed a potent message to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
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Okyere, speaking in an interview in Kumasi, urged the President to acknowledge the shortcomings of his government’s Free Senior High School (FSHS) policy, rather than continuing to commend its perceived successes while criticizing former President John Mahama’s proposals for improvement.
The Free Senior High School policy, launched in September 2017, was aimed at providing unrestricted access to secondary education. It was a monumental initiative that promised to eliminate financial barriers to education, thereby empowering thousands of Ghanaian youth.
However, as time has progressed, several facets of the program have come under scrutiny.
Critics have pointed out infrastructural deficits, issues with academic quality, and inadequate resource allocation as major challenges that have affected the program’s implementation.
Okyere’s remarks are particularly significant as they come at a time when debates around educational reforms are heating up.
He argues that the consistent praise from the current administration regarding the FSHS policy is misplaced, especially when many students and educators have faced the brunt of its inadequacies.
“It is essential for leaders to admit their faults. The denial of challenges only exacerbates the problems we face in our educational system,” he stated.
Furthermore, Okyere expressed concern over President Akufo-Addo’s tendency to criticize Mahama’s past government, which he believes is an attempt to divert attention from the pressing issues at hand.
He reiterated that Mahama, who is now seeking to return to power, has outlined potential reforms aimed at strengthening the free senior high school initiative.
Okyere believes that instead of disparaging these proposals, the current administration should recognize the need for constructive dialogue and action to enhance the educational landscape in Ghana.
The retired educationist emphasized that the ultimate goal should not be political rivalry, but rather a collective effort to support the nation’s youth by ensuring they receive a quality education that prepares them for the future.
“Let us focus on improving the lives of our students, rather than indulging in a blame game, he pointed out
Arguing that education is not a political tool; it is a fundamental right,” he remarked passionately.
Okyere’s call for accountability resonates with many stakeholders in the educational sector, including teachers, parents, and students who have been directly impacted by the reforms—or lack thereof.
The dialogue surrounding educational policies in Ghana is vital for fostering a society that values learning and development.
As Ghana approaches the next election cycle, it is imperative for political leaders to reflect on the needs of their constituents and prioritize sustainable solutions over political expediency. Richmond Okyere’s challenge to President Akufo-Addo serves as a reminder that the nation’s educational system deserves immediate and actionable reforms, free from the shackles of political maneuvering.
