- Minority Caucus demands dedicated funding for Free SHS.
- Government's bill aims to sustain Free SHS policy.
- Funding source crucial for policy's success, says Nortsu-Kotoe.
- Minority Caucus to scrutinize bill to prevent political manipulation.
The Minority Caucus in Parliament has announced its intention to push for a dedicated funding source for the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy in the upcoming proposed legislation by the government. This comes after Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin revealed plans to introduce a bill aimed at sustaining the Free SHS policy on Tuesday, June 11.
Ranking Member on the Education Committee of Parliament, Peter Nortsu-Kotoe, emphasized the Minority’s commitment to thoroughly examining the bill to ensure its longevity and effectiveness. Nortsu-Kotoe stressed that his primary concern will be demanding a dedicated funding source for the Free SHS policy, which he believes is essential for its success.
He noted that the government’s attempt to use the policy as a political tool against the NDC will fail, as the Minority will conduct thorough probes when the bill is presented to Parliament. Nortsu-Kotoe questioned the timing of the government’s move, suggesting that it is a last-ditch effort to tie the hands of future governments.
He pointed out that the government has only six months left in office and is attempting to give the Free SHS policy legal backing to prevent any changes by succeeding governments. The Minority Caucus is determined to scrutinize the bill carefully, ensuring that it is not used as a political tool to undermine future governments.
Nortsu-Kotoe emphasized that the Minority will not oppose the bill simply for political reasons, but will instead focus on ensuring its effectiveness and longevity. The introduction of the bill is expected to spark intense debate in Parliament, with the Minority Caucus determined to push for a dedicated funding source for the Free SHS policy.
