…over application to quash Adenta High Court judgement on Tredstone Empire’s land
An application for certiorari to overturn a High Court judgment against BB Boakye, a defendant who passed away in 2010, was denied by the Supreme Court of Ghana, presided over by Justice Lovelace-Johnson and included Justices Tanko Amadu, S.K.A. Asiedu, H. Kwofie, and Y. Darko Asare.
The case, Republic vs. High Court, Adenta, Ex-Parte: Nana Antwi Bosiako, focused around a judgment issued on February 20, 2023, against the Defendant, who, according to the Applicant, died 11 years before the suit.
Tredstone Empire Limited became an Interested Party in the lawsuit after the Adenta High Court granted it control of the land.
The Aggrey family, owners of Blue Jeans Energy Drink, sued Dr. Harry Kporn-Dawson for demolishing a $3 million structure in Trassaco, Greater Accra. They claimed they had an enforceable legal permit to claim their father’s land and threatened to take their case to the Supreme Court to overturn a High Court decision against them.
Citing Section 37 of the Evidence Act to prove the defendant’s death, the applicant, represented by Emmanuel Yeboah Gyan, said that the High Court lacked the authority to provide a decision because judicial actions against a deceased person were considered a nullity.
Additional procedural concerns were brought to light by the applicant’s counsel, who asserted that Rule 62 of the Supreme Court Rules, which had previously limited such applications to 90 days, had been repealed, allowing for greater filing flexibility.
The Applicant’s legal team argued that the decision could not stand due to the defendant’s death.
They cited the Ofori v. Star Assurance Co. Ltd. case as precedent for clear proof of the plaintiff’s awareness of the defendant’s passing.
The Interested Party argued that the Applicant’s case is undermined by questions about the medical certificate and supporting paperwork.
Supreme Court’s Ruling
The Supreme Court highlighted in its conclusion that the key element of the case was the contested evidence of the defendant’s death, B.B Aboakye.
The Court found enough doubt in the death certificate to need additional factual findings to evaluate the legitimacy of the claim.
The Supreme Court denied the Certiorari Application, citing that the High Court had already identified the Defendant’s supposed death as an issue for determination.
The case supports the premise that certiorari applications will not be granted if there exists substantial doubt about the evidence or if the matter is currently being litigated in another judicial process.
Given the discretionary character of certiorari, the Supreme Court determined that there was no legitimate cause to approve the application.
The Court rejected the application, highlighting the necessity of conducting a thorough factual investigation into the case at the High Court level.
The Media Coalition has condemned the Electoral Commission (EC) for discriminatory issuing national collation accreditation to selected media houses.
Addressing a news Conference on Saturday, the Coalition, made up of GJA,GIBA, PRINPAG, and New Media Association described actions of the EC as discriminatory calling on it to make the list available to the Coalition.
“Yesterday, the Media Coalition Ghana, made up of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA), Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) and New Media Association of Ghana (NMAG), issued a press statement calling on the Electoral Commission to rescind its decision to give accreditation to selected media houses to cover proceedings at the National Collation Centre.
We had expressed concern that the decision of the EC will gravely affect the integrity of the elections due to the absence of a fair and transparent methodology of selecting media houses for covering proceedings at the National Collation Centre.
Below is the full statement
ADDRESS BY ALBERT KWABENA DWUMFOUR, GJA PRESIDENT, ON BEHALF OF THE MEDIA COALITION, AT A PRESS CONFERENCE ON ELECTION 2024 AND RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE MEDIA LANDSCAPE, HELD AT THE GHANA INTERNATIONAL PRESS CENTRE, ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2024
Representatives of the Media Coalition Ghana,
Distinguished media practitioners,
Ladies and gentlemen.
Thank you very much for honouring our invitation at this very short notice.
We thank God voting started across the country this morning in this year’s elections. Reports from our election volunteers indicate that the exercise has been generally smooth. We wish to commend the Electoral Commission (EC) for this outcome. However, we have also received reports of some challenges at various polling stations. For instance, in the Ayawaso Central Constituency in the Greater Acccra Region, many of the polling stations did not have the full complement of EC officials at post at the time of our visit. Also, at the Kaleo Old Market Polling Station in the Upper West Region, voting had not started as at 8:50am when our election volunteer visited the station. We appeal to the EC to quickly address these challenges to ensure the smooth running of the elections.
Yesterday, the Media Coalition Ghana, made up of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA), Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) and New Media Association of Ghana (NMAG), issued a press statement calling on the Electoral Commission to rescind its decision to give accreditation to selected media houses to cover proceedings at the National Collation Centre. We had expressed concern that the decision of the EC will gravely affect the integrity of the elections due to the absence of a fair and transparent methodology of selecting media houses for covering proceedings at the National Collation Centre. We had also expressed concern that the decision of the EC may fuel the phenomena of misinformation and disinformation. Unfortunately, the EC did not heed to our call and has gone ahead to implement its selective agenda.
Colleagues, we wish to emphasise the submission we made in our press statement yesterday that the EC did not consult the Media Coalition Ghana, either collectively or individually, in arriving at its decision. And since it has gone ahead to implement its decision, we have no choice than to demand the following:
1. The EC must disclose the list of media houses it has granted accreditation to cover proceedings at the National Collation Centre in the interest of transparency.
2. The EC must disclose the methodology used to select media houses to cover proceedings at the National Collation Centre.
Colleagues, inasmuch as we have admonished our members to be professional in the discharge of their duties, and tirelessly advised them to refrain from misinformation and disinformation, we fear the decision taken by the EC may dissipate our efforts and gains, as it may stoke the fire of those undesirable phenomena. We remain committed to the promotion of successful elections but never to the promotion of distressful actions that may divert the course to that end. And when that happens, please ask the EC for answers.
National Media Collation Centre
Colleagues, as the GJA indicated in our press conference, the GJA has deployed election volunteers in all the 276 constituencies across the country to collect and collate results of the December 7 elections. In that regard, we are setting up a platform to project provisional and certified results of the elections on giant monitors mounted at the Press Centre for the benefit of the media, political actors and the general public. After the press conference, we will take you round to see the platform we are building as evidence of what we are doing. Under the project, the GJA election volunteers will also observe the general conduct of the elections and particularly report challenges media practitioners may face in the field to the leadership of the Association for quick resolution. The GJA has also set up a seven-member Election Monitoring Team to compile a comprehensive report on the outcome of the elections.
Colleagues, the GJA has designated the Gifty Affenyi Dadzie Conference Hall at the Press Centre as a prime location for the organisation of press conferences on election-related matters by all political actors. We believe the location of the Press Centre offers a central point and great convenience at no cost to all the political actors and the media for interaction on election-related matters. The GJA has engaged extensively with political parties and media managers about this initiative.
Colleagues, the GJA has received 9,009 media accreditation tags from the Electoral Commission, including reprinted tags, as of Thursday, December 5, 2024, for distribution to media practitioners covering the elections. The number includes 100 foreign journalists. We urge media practitioners to endeavour to promote peace in all aspects of their work during the electioneering. We wish to advise media practitioners to put the interest of the nation first in all circumstances as they cover the elections. Media practitioners must be circumspect and avoid pitfalls that may expose them to harm of any kind. However, they must be bold and remain resolute in the discharge of their duties in order to protect and project the sovereign will of the people.
Colleagues, as we go into the elections, we urge media owners and managers to equip their staff covering the elections with adequate tools and necessities, including food and means of transportation, so that they are not led into compromises that may undermine their independence and vigilance. We applaud the media for a good job done on the Special Voting Days last Monday and Thursday, particularly the vigilance they exhibited at Ayawaso West Wuogon, to lay bare evidence of the disturbing incidents that occurred in the constituency during voting. We call on all political actors and the general public to support the media in the discharge of their duties, and to avoid attacking media practitioners. We particularly call on the Ghana Police Service to protect media practitioners covering the elections to enable them discharge their duties effectively and efficiently. Media practitioners who may come into harm’s way in the line of duty may contact the GJA Hotlines: 025 662 2583 / 050 357 7215 for support. The GJA welcomes foreign journalists who have arrived in Ghana to cover the elections and those who are watching from afar, assuring them of our instant and constant support. We invite the foreign journalists to visit the Press Centre located on the Gamel Abdul Nasser Avenue in Accra for information, and informalities.
The GJA wishes to express profound gratitude to the KGL Group for sponsoring this project. This support will go a long way to deepen Ghana’s democracy. We are thankful to the visionary Executive Chairman of KGL Group, Mr Alex Dadey, for his immense support to the GJA over the years.
On Thursday, December 5, at approximately 12:45 p.m., immigration officers stationed at Hevi, an unapproved route in the Akatsi North District, intercepted three booklets of ballot papers. Each booklet contained 1,000 ballots, translating to 3,000 ballots in total. The interception occurred during a routine monitoring exercise by immigration officers in the Ave Havi enclave en route to Vodome in neighbouring Togo.
The suspect, Hon. Abraham Ahiabu, the current NDC Constituency Secretary for Akatsi North, was detained. During interrogation, Hon. Ahiabu claimed he was transporting the ballots to Vodome to educate voters on how to cast their ballots during elections.
However, the circumstances surrounding the incident have raised significant concerns. Hon. Ahiabu revealed that he had an additional 20,000 ballot booklets in his possession, further deepening suspicions. The choice of an unapproved route, often associated with irregular cross-border activities, has fuelled speculation about the real purpose of the ballots.
Many have questioned why individuals in Togo require voter education using Ghanaian ballots, especially so close to Ghana’s elections. These concerns have led to allegations of a possible attempt to facilitate foreign voter participation in Ghana’s electoral process.
Hon. Ahiabu has been handed over to the Ghana Police Service at the Akatsi North District headquarters for further investigation. Meanwhile, the seized ballot booklets have been transferred to the Akatsi North District Electoral Commission to verify their authenticity.
Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into the incident to ensure the integrity of Ghana’s electoral system is not compromised.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TO: ALL MEDIA HOUSES
DATE: 2ND DECEMBER, 2024.
THE SPECIAL VOTING: REPORT FROM MONITORING AND OBSERVATION TEAM OF AFRICAN ELECTORAL INSTITUTE (AEI)
The African Electoral Institute (AEI) has been monitoring the special voting exercise across the country, and our Electoral Monitoring and Observation Team has noted several concerns that require attention.
Key Observations:
1. Distance Between Party Agents and EC Officials: Contrary to regulations 21(4) of C.I 127, the majority of party agents were seated far from the Electoral Commission (EC) officials, potentially hindering their ability to effectively monitor and observe the electoral process.
2. Scanty Representation of Party Agents by Minor Political Parties and Independent presidentialCandidates: Independent presidential candidates and minor political parties lacked sufficient representation, with few or no agents present at voting centres. In contrast, the NDC and NPP had agents present at all voting centres.
3. Illegal Snapshot of Thumb-Printed Ballot Papers Our observers reported instances of voters taking snapshots of their thumb-printed ballot papers, which is illegal and poses a significant threat to the secrecy of the ballot and the integrity of the electoral process.
4. Alleged vote buying and Treating: Alleged bribery was observed and treating of voters was openly done through food and drinks, which is a serious offence that undermines the integrity of elections. According to the Representation of the People’s Law, 1992 PNDCL 284, sections 33 and 34 explicitly prohibit such practices.
This observation is particularly concerning, as vote buying can have far-reaching consequences for the democratic process. It can lead to the manipulation of election results, undermine the legitimacy of elected officials, and erode public trust in the electoral system.
It’s essential to address this issue promptly and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
The Electoral Commission and relevant authorities must take immediate action to investigate these allegations and prevent further occurrences of vote buying during the main elections on 7th December 2024.
These observations underscore the need for increased vigilance and adherence to electoral regulations to ensure a free, fair, and transparent electoral process.
The African Electoral Institute will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as necessary.
However, generally, the Special Voting was peaceful.
END.
SIGNED
Joshua Adjin-Tettey
Director of Communications and External Relations
0540904550
Engr. Judge Hasford Quartey
Deputy Director of Communications and External Relations.
0547510174
Ex. WO1 Alhaji Yussif Mahamah
Electoral Security Department
0243311965
UNIVERSITY OF GHANA COMMUNITY, HON. LYDIA SEYRAM ALHASSAN IS YOUR TRUE PARTNER—IGNORE THE LIES
To the cherished students, lecturers, and workers of the University of Ghana community,
My attention has been drawn to a false and malicious propaganda on social media, accusing me of causing the arrest of a security officer on campus simply because he allegedly expressed a dissenting political opinion. Let me assure you—this is not only untrue but a calculated attempt to undermine my reputation and my longstanding dedication to the University community.
I, Hon. Lydia Seyram Alhassan, have always been a compassionate and fair leader. I have never based my engagements on political preferences, nor have I ever sought to silence dissenting voices. My arms are open to all, and my commitment to serve transcends party lines. These are values you, the University community, have experienced firsthand through my constant engagements.
In my recent meeting with campus security personnel which became the basis for the said propaganda, I sought to understand their challenges and provide the resources needed to ensure the safety of the student community, especially ahead of the elections. This engagement reflects my continued investment in the security of students, from providing vehicles and motorbikes to enhance the visibility of security personnel to providing streetlights in dark and obscure places to prevent crime. It is deeply disheartening that this sincere effort has been twisted into unfounded allegations.
Students, you are the heart of this great institution. I, Hon. Lydia, stand with you, as I always have—throughout my tenure as your Member of Parliament. I see your concerns, value your aspirations, and remain committed to creating an environment where you can thrive without fear or insecurity.
Do not let lies and propaganda mislead you. Look around—my actions speak louder than the empty words of detractors. On December 7, let us rise above the falsehoods and vote for Hon. Lydia Seyram Alhassan as our Member of Parliament and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as President. Together, we will continue to build a better and more secure future for the University of Ghana and Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency
The National Executive Committee of the NDC has said in a letter dated 21 November 2024 that the NDC will call for a forensic audit into and review all enlistments made in security services from 2017 to 2024.
On Saturday, November 16, 2024, Honourable Albert Kan-Dapaah, Minister for National Security, accompanied by the Chief Director and the Director of Intelligence Analysis at the Ministry, paid a working visit to the Ghanaian contingent of the ECOWAS Stabilization Support Mission in Guinea Bissau (ESSMGB), known as GHANCOY 3. The visit took place on the sidelines of three key events: the 51st Independence Day celebration of Guinea Bissau, the Centenary Anniversary of the birth of Amílcar Cabral, and the 60th Anniversary of the Guinea Bissau Armed Forces.
The Minister’s visit aimed to assess the operational, administrative, and logistical status of the Ghanaian troops while boosting their morale. Lieutenant Colonel Gabriel Mawuli Agboado, Combat Team Commander, and his staff officers provided a comprehensive briefing on the unit’s current state and expressed gratitude for the Ministry’s consistent support.
In his address, Hon. Kan-Dapaah commended the troops for their discipline and commitment to fulfilling the ECOWAS mandate in Guinea-Bissau. He lauded their unwavering efforts in maintaining peace and stability in the region, emphasising their crucial role in safeguarding Ghana’s territorial integrity. The Minister recognised the challenges security personnel face, particularly as attacks against security forces have become more frequent. He praised the troops for their resilience, patience, and continued dedication to their mission.
One of the critical points the Minister highlighted during his visit was the government’s commitment to improving the compensation for security and intelligence officers. He assured the troops that measures were being taken to enhance their remuneration before the end of President Akufo-Addo’s term in January 2024, recognising their sacrifices and contributions to national security and stability.
Addressing recent misconceptions, the Minister firmly dismissed allegations of agreements between the government and terrorist groups. He reiterated that Ghana’s security framework is a robust deterrent to non-state actors, stressing that operational efficiency and vigilance remain the country’s primary tools in mitigating security threats.
The Minister also emphasised the government’s dedication to ensuring free and fair elections in December 2024. He commended the Electoral Commission’s efforts to uphold transparency and urged continued collaboration between the police and military to guarantee an incident-free electoral process.
Reflecting on his earlier tenure as Minister for Defence, Hon. Kan-Dapaah expressed his deep respect for the military’s discipline and professionalism. He concluded his address by reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting the Ghanaian contingent as they continue their vital mission in Guinea Bissau.
Prof. Isaac Boadi, Dean of the Faculty of Finance and Accounting at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), has highlighted the significant financial commitment the government makes each year to sustain the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, calling for collective efforts to protect this transformative initiative.
Speaking on the Atupan Show on Asaasepa 107.3 FM on Monday, November 18, 2024, hosted by Bonohene Baffour Awuah, Prof. Boadi revealed that the state invests over 18,000 cedis per student annually under the Free SHS program. He explained that these funds cover essential expenses such as free uniforms, admission fees, maintenance costs, physical education kits, and supplementary stationery for the students. He described the financial burden taken off parents as “enormous,” underscoring the scale of the government’s intervention.
“When you multiply that investment by the number of students benefiting from the policy, the figures become mind-boggling. This isn’t just a minor expense; it represents a monumental allocation of resources to ensure that education is accessible to every Ghanaian child,” he stressed.
Policy’s continuity
Prof. Boadi called on all Ghanaians to recognize the value of the policy and to support measures to ensure its continuation. “We must appreciate and safeguard these efforts,” he urged, pointing to the broader impact of Free SHS on families across the country. “Education is a cornerstone of national development, and we must protect this investment in our youth.”
He stressed that the long-term benefits of Free SHS outweigh the financial strain on the state budget, noting that the policy is a vital step toward building an educated and skilled workforce. “The government’s commitment to bearing this financial burden is a testament to its dedication to the future of Ghana’s youth. It is now up to all of us to ensure that this investment yields the best possible outcomes for our country,” he added.
The dean also emphasized the academic achievements of Free SHS students, countering claims that the program has compromised educational quality. “If anyone says Free SHS has negatively affected the quality of education, they simply do not know what they are talking about,” he said. “Our students are excelling in areas like Robotics, and some are even pursuing higher studies in prestigious institutions like Brunel University. In core subjects such as Mathematics, Science, and English, the results are there for all to see. The NPP administration has not compromised quality; rather, we have enhanced access and opportunity.”
The Free SHS campaign
Prof. Boadi further announced that a group of about 200 university educators is preparing to embark on an educational tour across the Central, Upper East, and Upper West regions to further defend and promote the policy. He said the objective of the tour is to engage parents and guardians directly, explaining the immense value of Free SHS and the need to protect it from political threats.
“We believe the policy is under threat,” he said, referencing past statements and pronouncements made by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) leadership. “We were in Ghana when we heard some of the NDC’s rejections and criticisms of the program. Even former President John Mahama once remarked that during elections, ‘we don’t tell the absolute truth; we lie small and speak the truth small.’ Mahama is on record to have said, “Ghana must not implement Free SHS on the whimsical promises of a desperate politician.” Such statements make us worry about the future of Free SHS under an NDC administration,” he stated.
Prof. Boadi stressed that the tour would provide a platform for educators to engage in meaningful conversations with local communities, addressing misconceptions and reinforcing the importance of sustaining the policy.
History of scholarships
The dean drew parallels between Free SHS and previous scholarship schemes, such as the Northern Scholarship and Cocoa Scholarship initiatives, which supported secondary education for specific groups. He argued that Free SHS builds on that legacy but on a much larger, nationwide scale. “We are making history by achieving gender parity in secondary education, something that was unthinkable a few decades ago,” he noted.
Prof. Boadi, therefore, called on all Ghanaians, regardless of political affiliation, to recognize the policy as a national asset that should be preserved. He emphasized the foundational pillars of education—quality, affordability, and access—as essential components of national development. “If we want our country to develop, we need to invest in mindset and resources,” he said. “These are the building blocks of a prosperous future.”
He urged unity in protecting the Free SHS policy, highlighting its role in shaping Ghana’s human capital and economic future. “This is not just about today’s students; it’s about the long-term development of our nation. Let’s work together to ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to Ghana’s progress,” he indicated.
Dr. Frank Bannor, a Development Economist and Lecturer at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), has raised concerns over the substantial financial investment that Ghana’s Free Senior High School (SHS) policy has demanded since its inception.
He underscored the enormity of the government’s commitment, revealing that over 10 billion cedis have been allocated to the program since 2016. Despite the financial burden, he emphasized the importance of safeguarding the policy to ensure continued benefits for future generations.
“What makes this even more significant is the sheer volume of resources that have gone into sustaining Free SHS. The government has committed more than 10 billion cedis, a staggering amount that highlights both the importance and the financial strain of the policy. What makes it even scary is that, between 2016 and now, the government of Ghana has spent a little over 10 billion cedis on Free SHS,” Dr. Bannor made these comments on the Atupan Show on Asaasepa 107.3 FM on Monday, November 18, 2024, hosted by Bonohene Baffour Awuah.
He further reflected on the opposition the Free SHS policy faced from the National Democratic Congress (NDC). He noted that during the 2012 election campaign, the NDC commissioned approximately 47 advertisements aimed at discrediting the promise of Free SHS made by then-candidate Nana Akufo-Addo, with many party members considering it an unrealistic dream.
He mentioned that in the lead-up to the 2016 elections, then-President John Mahama famously criticized the policy. “Ghana must not implement Free SHS on the whimsical promises of a desperate politician,” Mahama said, warning of potential failures akin to those experienced in other African countries that had tried free education. Dr. Bannor also referenced Mahama’s 2012 speech in Okere, where the former president claimed, “Free SHS will collapse the education system of Ghana.” In another instance, Mahama dismissed the program as a mere “political gimmick” while speaking at the University of Cape Coast in 2016.
Opposition from NDC
Dr. Bannor enumerated comments from other prominent NDC members who opposed Free SHS. Former Education Minister Lee Ocran in 2012 remarked, “Free SHS can only be possible in 2032, in 20 years.” Hajia Joyce Zeinabu, then National Women Organizer, warned in 2016 that the policy would “breed teenage pregnancies.” In 2018, General Secretary Johnson Asiedu Nketiah labeled the policy “shambolic” and suggested it would need to be scrapped. Elder Ofosu Ampofo, the NDC National Chairman, also claimed that the Double Track system under Free SHS was causing teenage pregnancies.
The GIMPA Lecturer criticized these comments and expressed concern over the potential risks of the policy being reversed or weakened. “It is dangerous if we, as university lecturers, don’t wage a frontal war to protect Free SHS,” he said, noting that the government has invested over 10 billion cedis in the initiative.
Data-backed achievements
To counter claims that Free SHS has compromised educational quality, Dr. Bannor presented a comparative analysis of student performance. Using data from the West African Examination Council (WAEC) and the Ghana Education Service, he compared results from 2015 and 2016—before the implementation of Free SHS—to those from 2020 and 2021.
In 2015, only 25.29% of students scored A1-C6 in Mathematics, with 37.17% failing (F9). By 2020, the first batch of Free SHS graduates showed substantial improvement, with over 50% of candidates earning A1-C6 in core subjects. Mathematics performance, for example, climbed to 65.71%, while English Language saw a pass rate of 57.34%.
Dr. Bannor underscored that approximately 60% of the 342,500 candidates in 2020 scored between A1 and C6 in their best six subjects, qualifying them for tertiary education. “Performance has generally improved under Free SHS, debunking fears that the policy would compromise academic standards,” he stated.
Social Impact of Free SHS
Beyond academic results, Dr. Bannor pointed out that Free SHS has achieved gender parity in education. “Because of Free SHS, we have gender parity at the SHS level for the first time in Ghana’s history,” he said, addressing the previous norm where boys were prioritized over girls in education. Drawing from his personal experience, he shared, “ I come from Obuasi, and I had Kumasi Anglican, but I couldn’t go, and so I understand the reality. Free SHS is a blessing in disguise, and we must all protect it.”
He stressed the importance of supporting transformational policies that uplift society and warned against political rhetoric that could jeopardize such gains. “A 24-hour economy is purely demand-driven, and if the demand is not there, then it is purely a slogan,” he stressed.
A group of university lecturers in Ghana have announced a campaign to protect the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, emphasizing its crucial role in the nation’s socio-economic development. The academics have committed to a week-long awareness tour from November 20 to November 27, 2024, covering the Central, Upper East, and Upper West Regions. The initiative aims to raise awareness and support for the policy, which they believe must be safeguarded at all costs.
Speaking on the Atupan Show on Asaasepa 107.3 FM on Monday, November 18, 2024, hosted by Bonohene Baffour Awuah, Dr. Frank Bannor, a Development Economist and Lecturer at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), and Professor Isaac Boadi, Dean of the Faculty of Finance and Accounting at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), shed light on the motivations behind their advocacy. The segment, titled “Academics Join Hands to Protect Free SHS,” featured an in-depth discussion of the policy’s impact and the rationale for its proactive stance.
Dr. Bannor described the initiative as a “transformational policy” that has democratized access to secondary education. Speaking passionately about the importance of the program, Dr. Bannor said, “We cannot afford to let Free SHS falter,” emphasizing the critical role it plays in leveling the educational playing field for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
He highlighted the policy’s impact in reducing financial barriers for countless families. According to him, thousands of students who would otherwise be unable to afford secondary education are now able to fulfill their academic aspirations. He cited the program’s undeniable success in enabling equal access to education, something that has long been a challenge in Ghana’s history.
Adverts against Free SHS
Reflecting on the opposition the Free SHS policy faced from the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr. Bannor provided an extensive history of the party’s skepticism and vocal resistance. He noted that during the 2012 election campaign, the NDC commissioned approximately 47 advertisements aimed at discrediting the promise of Free SHS made by then-candidate Nana Akufo-Addo, with many party members considering it an unrealistic dream.
He mentioned that in the lead-up to the 2016 elections, then-President John Mahama famously criticized the policy. “Ghana must not implement Free SHS on the whimsical promises of a desperate politician,” Mahama said, warning of potential failures akin to those experienced in other African countries that had tried free education. Dr. Bannor also referenced Mahama’s 2012 speech in Okere, where the former president claimed, “Free SHS will collapse the education system of Ghana.” In another instance, Mahama dismissed the program as a mere “political gimmick” while speaking at the University of Cape Coast in 2016.
More opposition
Dr. Bannor enumerated comments from other prominent NDC members who opposed Free SHS. Former Education Minister Lee Ocran in 2012 remarked, “Free SHS can only be possible in 2032, in 20 years.” Hajia Joyce Zeinabu, then National Women Organizer, warned in 2016 that the policy would “breed teenage pregnancies.” In 2018, General Secretary Johnson Asiedu Nketiah labeled the policy “shambolic” and suggested it would need to be scrapped. Elder Ofosu Ampofo, the NDC National Chairman, also claimed that the Double Track system under Free SHS was causing teenage pregnancies.
Dr. Bannor criticized these comments and expressed concern over the potential risks of the policy being reversed or weakened. “It is dangerous if we, as university lecturers, don’t wage a frontal war to protect Free SHS,” he said, noting that the government has invested over 10 billion cedis in the initiative.
Data-backed achievements
To counter claims that Free SHS has compromised educational quality, Dr. Bannor presented a comparative analysis of student performance. Using data from the West African Examination Council (WAEC) and the Ghana Education Service, he compared results from 2015 and 2016—before the implementation of Free SHS—to those from 2020 and 2021.
In 2015, only 25.29% of students scored A1-C6 in Mathematics, with 37.17% failing (F9). By 2020, the first batch of Free SHS graduates showed substantial improvement, with over 50% of candidates earning A1-C6 in core subjects. Mathematics performance, for example, climbed to 65.71%, while English Language saw a pass rate of 57.34%.
Dr. Bannor underscored that approximately 60% of the 342,500 candidates in 2020 scored between A1 and C6 in their best six subjects, qualifying them for tertiary education. “Performance has generally improved under Free SHS, debunking fears that the policy would compromise academic standards,” he stated.
Social Impact of Free SHS
Beyond academic results, Dr. Bannor pointed out that Free SHS has achieved gender parity in education. “Because of Free SHS, we have gender parity at the SHS level for the first time in Ghana’s history,” he said, addressing the previous norm where boys were prioritized over girls in education. Drawing from his personal experience, he shared, “I come from Obuasi, and I understand the reality of financial barriers. Free SHS is a blessing in disguise, and we must all protect it.”
He emphasized the importance of supporting transformational policies that uplift society and warned against political rhetoric that could jeopardize such gains. “A 24-hour economy is purely demand-driven, and if the demand is not there, then it is purely a slogan,” Dr. Bannor stressed.
Economic cornerstone
Taking his turn in the conversation, Professor Isaac added that Free SHS serves as a cornerstone for Ghana’s long-term economic growth. “An educated population drives development,” he emphasized. He underscored the link between education and human capital formation, arguing that the policy’s continuation is essential for building a skilled and competitive workforce capable of transforming the nation’s economic landscape. “Our natural resources alone cannot guarantee a prosperous future; our people, educated and empowered, will drive that change,” he said. Prof. Boadi emphasized the need for Ghanaians to embrace and defend it against criticisms and perceived threats.
He reflected on Ghana’s educational struggles before the policy’s implementation. “We were in this country when we witnessed how education suffered,” he stated. Highlighting the substantial investments made under Free SHS, he declared, “When you look at the investment and the benefits, it is mind-boggling, and we must protect it.”
Mobilization for Free SHS awareness
Prof. Boadi revealed that a group of about 200 university lecturers, including himself, has committed to a nationwide campaign. Starting next week, the lecturers will tour Ghana’s Central, Upper East, and Upper West regions to engage parents and guardians. He said their goal is to explain the immense benefits of Free SHS and why it is imperative to safeguard the policy.
“We think Free SHS is under threat,” he noted, referencing the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and what he described as their “pronouncements and rejection” of the policy in the past. “So, we teachers in universities are taking it upon ourselves to embark on this campaign,” Prof. Boadi said.
Responding to criticisms that Free SHS has compromised the quality of education, Prof. Boadi dismissed such claims as baseless. “If someone says Free SHS has affected the quality, then he or she doesn’t know what they are saying,” he indicated. He compared the policy to historic initiatives like the Northern Board Scholarship and the Cocoa Scholarship, both of which played pivotal roles in improving education in Ghana.
Prof. Boadi cited examples of Free SHS beneficiaries excelling academically and in extracurricular fields. “Our students are topping robotics competitions, and some have even secured places at prestigious institutions like Brunel University in the UK,” he said. Additionally, he pointed to data showing improvements in core subjects, including Mathematics, Science, and English, to affirm the policy’s impact on academic performance. “The results are glaring,” he stressed. “The NPP government has not compromised the quality of Free SHS.”
Easing financial burdens
Prof. Boadi further highlighted the financial relief that the Free SHS policy has provided to parents across the country. He detailed the government’s provision of free uniforms, admission fees, maintenance fees, physical education kits, and supplementary stationery. “The government spends over 18,000 cedis per student annually under Free SHS,” he said. “When you multiply that by the number of students each year, the investment is significant.”
He underscored the broader vision of the policy, comparing it to other social interventions like free maternity care. “Quality, affordability, and access are the cornerstones of this policy,” Prof. Boadi emphasized. “If we want a country to develop, we need both the mindset and the resources. These are the building blocks.”
Calls for a collective effort
Prof. Boadi also referenced a past statement by former President John Mahama, where Mahama admitted that in political campaigns, “we lie a little and speak the truth a little.” According to Prof. Boadi, such admissions highlight the need for vigilance and a commitment to preserving policies that genuinely benefit the nation.
He added that “the Free SHS policy is a national asset that must be protected and cherished. If we want to build a strong, educated society, Free SHS is a non-negotiable part of that vision,” he added.
