President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has raised concerns about the leadership capability of National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, cautioning Ghanaians about the potential risks of his return to power.
Speaking at a gathering with the chiefs and people of the North-East Region, Akufo-Addo specifically warned that Mahama’s presidency could threaten key national policies, particularly the Free Senior High School (SHS) programme.
Akufo-Addo did not mince words when addressing the possibility of Mahama winning the upcoming December 7 general elections. He cautioned that voting for Mahama and the NDC could result in the dismantling of critical government initiatives that have been instrumental in Ghana’s progress, with the Free SHS policy being at the top of the list. The Free SHS programme, a flagship initiative of the Akufo-Addo administration, has provided free secondary education to hundreds of thousands of Ghanaian students, significantly reducing the financial burden on families.
During his speech, Akufo-Addo pointed to Mahama’s previous remarks about the Free SHS policy as a cause for concern. He argued that Mahama’s inconsistent stance on the issue suggests that, if given the chance, the NDC leader might cancel or undermine the programme. According to Akufo-Addo, Mahama has not been clear about his position on Free SHS, leaving Ghanaians uncertain about the future of the policy should he return to power.
“Let’s ask him [Mahama], which is which? What should the Ghanaian people take as your real position?” Akufo-Addo questioned, suggesting that Mahama’s shifting statements on the matter make it difficult for the public to trust him. “Because this chopping and changing, chopping and changing, is a very difficult thing for some of us to understand.”
Akufo-Addo went on to highlight the importance of clarity and consistency, particularly when it comes to matters of national importance such as education. He argued that Mahama’s contradictory statements regarding Free SHS could have serious implications for the policy’s future. “What should we believe? Are you going to change it? Are you going to cancel it? Are you going to improve it? Because every time you open your mouth, you say a different thing,” the President added.
The Free SHS programme has been one of the cornerstones of Akufo-Addo’s presidency, and the President made it clear that he sees the policy as a vital part of Ghana’s development. By providing free secondary education, the programme has allowed more students, particularly those from less privileged backgrounds, to access quality education, which many believe will have a long-term positive impact on the country’s human capital and overall progress.
Akufo-Addo’s comments are part of his broader campaign to secure re-election for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the December elections. He has frequently positioned the Free SHS programme as one of the key successes of his administration, contrasting it with what he describes as the uncertainty surrounding Mahama’s policy positions.
Mahama, on the other hand, has at times criticized the implementation of the Free SHS programme, arguing that while the idea of free secondary education is a good one, the policy’s rollout has been poorly managed. He has raised concerns about overcrowded classrooms, insufficient resources, and the strain on infrastructure that the rapid expansion of the SHS system has caused. However, his critics, including Akufo-Addo, have accused him of failing to present a coherent alternative plan.
Akufo-Addo seized on this perceived inconsistency, calling into question Mahama’s ability to govern effectively and make sound decisions on critical issues. “I don’t think a man who talks like that, who wants the supreme office of our country, is somebody who can be trusted,” he remarked, urging Ghanaians to think carefully about the leadership they want for the country in the years to come.
The President’s message was clear: the choice in the upcoming election is not just about political parties but about the future of key policies that have a direct impact on the lives of Ghanaians. By emphasizing the potential risk to the Free SHS programme, Akufo-Addo sought to remind voters of the tangible benefits they have already received under his government, positioning the NPP as the party that can be trusted to continue delivering those benefits.
As the campaign season intensifies, education is expected to remain a central issue, with both parties vying for the support of the electorate. The Free SHS programme, given its widespread impact, is likely to be one of the key battlegrounds in the contest between Akufo-Addo and Mahama.
For Akufo-Addo, the stakes are high. He has staked much of his political legacy on the success of the Free SHS policy and other social interventions, and he has made it clear that he believes these achievements are at risk if Mahama returns to power. On the other hand, Mahama and the NDC will likely continue to challenge the NPP’s record, offering their own vision for improving education and addressing the challenges facing the country.
As the December 7 elections approach, Ghanaians will ultimately decide which vision they believe in—whether to continue with Akufo-Addo’s policies or to take a different direction under Mahama’s leadership.
