Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Majority Leader in Ghana’s Parliament, has issued a challenge to the Minority Caucus, urging them to clarify their opposition to the government’s proposed Free Senior High School (SHS) Bill, 2024.
Speaking to the press on June 25, 2024, Afenyo-Markin highlighted the importance of the Free SHS policy and questioned why the Minority, led by the National Democratic Congress (NDC), is resistant to its formal legislative enactment.
Afenyo-Markin pointed out that Peter Nortsu-Kotoe, the Ranking Member on the Education Committee, has openly opposed the Free SHS policy. He urged the Minority to articulate to the public whether the policy is not a priority for them as a responsible opposition.
“The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Minority have spoken through their Ranking Member on the Education Committee, Peter Nortsu-Kotoe, who is strongly opposed to the Free SHS policy,” Afenyo-Markin stated. He called on the Minority to clearly declare their stance on the bill, which has received Executive approval and is soon to be introduced to Parliament by the Minister of Education.
The Majority Leader expressed a willingness to consult with the Minority on the bill to facilitate its passage but noted a lack of readiness from the Minority Caucus. He emphasized that enacting a law to regulate the Free SHS policy would make the aspirations in the Constitution actionable and mandatory, contrasting the NDC’s apparent reluctance to commit to the policy.
Afenyo-Markin referenced a previous attempt to engage the Minority on the floor of Parliament, where Nortsu-Kotoe avoided providing a definitive response.
He urged the Minority to explain their opposition, particularly given the policy’s significant impact on educational access for Ghanaians.
“The Minority should tell us why they are opposed to the Free SHS policy,” Afenyo-Markin concluded, calling for transparency and a clear position from the NDC on this pivotal issue.
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