By Love Wilhelmina Abanonave, Dorothy Agyapomaa Nkansah & Kafui Dey
In a recent interview on GTV Breakfast, Sammy Gyamfi, the National Communication Officer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), unveiled a bold component of their campaign platform: the plan to dismantle the Free Senior High School (SHS) double track system. This revelation is part of the NDC’s newly launched Youth Manifesto.
Gyamfi did not hold back in his criticism of the current administration’s double-track system. “The double track system has been a disaster,” Gyamfi declared. “It has led to overcrowded classrooms, a decline in educational quality, and an erratic academic calendar that has negatively impacted students.”
According to Gyamfi, John Mahama, the NDC’s presidential candidate, has pledged to eradicate the double-track system by January 2026 if elected. “John Mahama is determined to abolish the double track system within his first year in office,” Gyamfi asserted. “We aim to restore a single-track system that will enhance the quality of education and provide a better learning environment for students.”
The Youth Manifesto, launched by the NDC, is designed to address the pressing issues faced by Ghanaian youth. Gyamfi emphasised that the manifesto reflects a deep commitment to addressing the needs of the younger generation, who play a crucial role in the country’s future. “We introduced the Youth Manifesto because the youth are pivotal to Ghana’s development,” Gyamfi said. “With the youth forming a significant portion of the electorate, it is essential that we address their specific concerns.”
Among the manifesto’s key promises is the plan to make tertiary education free for all new students starting in January 2025. “Under the NDC government, no student entering a tertiary institution will pay academic fees,” Gyamfi promised. This initiative aims to ease the financial burden on students and their families, especially in the current economic climate.
The manifesto also tackles the issue of unemployment, which Gyamfi claimed has worsened under the present administration. “The rate of unemployment has skyrocketed over the past eight years,” he stated. “Our focus will be on job creation and providing meaningful opportunities for young people.”
In defense of their stance on the Free SHS program, Gyamfi argued that while the current government’s initiative has had some successes, it has come at a cost to other critical educational sectors. “The government has implemented Free SHS, but this has negatively impacted other areas of education,” Gyamfi contended. “We are committed to improving the Free SHS system by addressing its current shortcomings.”
Addressing recent controversies surrounding John Mahama, including the exoneration of Mahama from any wrongdoing in the Airbus scandal, Gyamfi dismissed these as distractions. “They are desperately trying to find fault with John Mahama, but the Airbus scandal is a dead issue,” he asserted. “Mahama has been cleared, and we are focused on delivering on our promises.”
The NDC’s Youth Manifesto is strategically aimed at winning the support of the younger demographic, which is becoming increasingly influential in Ghana’s political landscape. Gyamfi’s statements reflect the party’s resolve to tackle systemic issues affecting education and employment, positioning them as a strong contender in the upcoming elections.
As the election approaches, the NDC’s ambitious proposals will be scrutinised to determine if they resonate with voters and lead to a significant shift in Ghana’s political arena.
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