The Chiefs and people of Sene in the Bono East Region have expressed deep gratitude to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration, under the leadership of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, for the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy.
The policy, they said, has significantly transformed their community by making education accessible to children from poor households.
Speaking during a visit by Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to Kajaji in the Sene East Constituency, Nana Kwame Edeabe Ntosour, Benkumhene of the Traditional Council, praised the government for its far-reaching social interventions.
He mentioned that the Free SHS program has been especially impactful in poorer communities like theirs, where parents would have otherwise struggled to fund their children’s education.
"Where would we have found the money? It would have cost 4,000 to 5,000 Cedis to send a child to senior high school," the Chief remarked. "By the grace of God, you have made it free for everyone. Now, all parents need is transportation money for their children to go to school."
The Chief also lauded the government’s development efforts, including road construction projects, which he said have brought much-needed infrastructure improvements to the area. He expressed confidence that Dr. Bawumia would be elected as Ghana's next president and urged him to prioritize ongoing projects in the region, particularly the completion of the "Agenda 111" hospital project.
In response, Vice President Bawumia reaffirmed the government’s commitment to education, stating that the Free SHS policy was designed to ensure that all Ghanaians, regardless of their financial background, have access to quality education. He highlighted that over five million young Ghanaians have benefited from the program since its implementation seven years ago.
"This is what former President Mahama and the NDC said was not possible and vehemently opposed. If we had listened to them, over five million young Ghanaians and their families would have missed out on this opportunity," Dr. Bawumia said.
He further assured the chiefs and people of Sene that as President, he would strengthen and expand the Free SHS program to ensure its continued success.