Mahama lists ways to improve education sector in 2024 manifesto
Former President and flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama seeking to be elected again in this year’s election as president has outlined ways his next government intends to improve education in the country.
The leader of the main opposition party disclosed his plans for the education sector speaking at the National Democratic Congress (NDC) manifesto launch in Winneba on Saturday, August 24, 2024.
The 2024 manifesto also highlights the John Dramani Mahama-led National Democratic Congress commitment to education, with plans to improve Free SHS, provide dedicated funding, and decentralize food procurement.
An earlier promise made by the NDC flagbearer to implement a “No-Academic-Fees” policy, provide financial assistance to continuing students, and expand infrastructure for tertiary students was announced in the manifesto.
Below are several upcoming measures aimed at strengthening the country’s education sector the immediate past president highlighted in his manifesto address;
1. We shall commit to establishing libraries in primary schools to promote a reading culture.
2. We shall address the critical issue of textbook distribution and ensure the provision of relevant educational materials.
3. We shall prioritise the completion of abandoned educational infrastructure to reduce class sizes.
4. We shall review and improve the free SHS/TVET policy through stakeholder engagement.
5. We shall Guarantee the timely disbursement of capitation grants based on the needs and resources of the schools.
6. We shall integrate the Free SHS Secretariat into the Education Directorate for better oversight.
7. Reintroduce free sanitary pads for female students in primary and senior high schools.
8. We plan to decentralise the school feeding program to boost local economies and improve nutrition.
9. We shall strengthen PTAs to enhance community and stakeholder participation in schools.
10. We shall develop incentives for teachers in deprived areas with comprehensive data collection.
11. We shall empower school heads with the resources and authority to manage schools effectively.
12. We shall collaborate with unions to develop housing and auto loan schemes for teachers.
13. Build Teacher accommodation in basic schools and start a policy of adding teacher accommodation to every basic school to be constructed.
14. We shall ensure prompt recruitment, payment of salaries, and clearance of arrears for teachers.
15. We will expand secondary school spaces, improve the implementation of the FREE SHS, end the dreaded double-track system, and relieve the teacher workload.
16. We shall pay a 20% allowance to rural-based teachers.
17. We shall cancel the obnoxious licensure examination for Teachers.
18. We shall cancel the obnoxious licensure examination for Teacher Trainee graduates.
19. We shall scrap the quota system for admissions into nursing and teacher training colleges to expand students’ enrollment.
20. We shall reverse the names of Public Universities re-named by the NPP to reflect the core mandate of those universities.
