‘Panic-stricken’ NPP implementing our manifesto – Mahama mocks
The 2020 NDC flagbearer has claimed the governing NPP has began implementing his manifesto policies because it is under pressure to avoid defeat at the December polls.
John Mahama claimed his promises to scrap teacher licensure examination, include private schools in the free SHS policy and legalise ‘Okada’ are being adapted by the governing NPP.
Mahama said he welcomed government’s attempt to implement his party’s ideas despite the NPP’s constant accusation that the NDC’s policies were not well-thought through.
‘We haven’t even voted but the NPP is implementing our manifesto’ he said in Twi.
The NDC triggered a national debate on the commercial use of motorbikes after it promised to legalise it if it wins the elections.
The NDC, while in government, passed a regulation in 2012 banning the use of ‘Okada’. But Mahama said the party has had a change of heart because Okada is a reality for many who need jobs.
The Akufo-Addo government after criticising the proposal later said it was studying a report on the legalisation of Okada prepared by the National Road Safety Authority which widely consulted stakeholders.
Some sections of the public interpreted this announcement to mean the NPP government was seeking to do a u-turn. But any such perception has been quashed.
Vice-President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has stated categorically, the NPP would not legalise Okada but provide better alternatives to employment.
On the teacher licensure examination which has been suspended, the government has explained the test has been postponed for just a week in order to secure classrooms for the test.
The government said there is no plan to suspend it nor is it under any pressure to scrap the exams or suspend it because the policy was arrived at after extensive consultations.
The Ministry of Education has also denied engaging private schools to discuss the possibility of extending free SHS to private schools.
The ministry has said though it received delegations from the Ghana National Council of Private Schools (GNAPS) and the Ghana National Association Private Schools (GNAPS), the meetings were before the NDC launched its manifesto.
The Education ministry in a statement said the meetings were held on Wednesday 2nd and Thursday 3rd September 2020. The NDC launched its manifesto on 7th September.
The ministry said the meetings was to discuss post-COVID-19 challenges in the education sector and the way forward, the reopening of schools, private schools and their livelihoods and the sustenance of their businesses.