Vice-President and 2024 flagbearer of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has emphasised the transformative impact of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy in northern Ghana.

The Vice-President asserted that it would not have been possible under former President John Mahama’s administration.

Speaking at a rally in Jirapa during his campaign tour of the Upper West Region, Dr. Bawumia highlighted the substantial benefits that Free SHS has brought to many households since its implementation in 2017.

“Former President Mahama said if he had the money, he wouldn't use it for free SHS education. He said it was not a priority, but we have brought it, and the people of the north and Ghanaians are benefiting,” Dr. Bawumia said.

He pointed out the significant increase in senior high school enrollment, attributing it to the Free SHS initiative.

“The total enrollment for senior high school has increased from 800,000 to 1.4 million in 7 years. It tells you that our people were dying for free SHS education,” he stated.

He indicated: “Today, the five northern regions have the highest enrollment into senior high school education. But this is what John Mahama said we should not do. He said if he had the money, he would not do it,” Dr. Bawumia added, stressing the policy's crucial role in improving education in the north.

Dr. Bawumia also criticised Mahama's handling of the Savannah Development Authority (SADA) initiative, accusing him of exploiting the north without delivering tangible results.

“He set up SADA, and we all saw what happened. He claimed he invested millions of dollars, but there is no single SADA project to show,” Dr. Bawumia noted.

He contrasted his own efforts with Mr. Mahama's record, citing various policies and development projects he has facilitated as Vice-President.

“Unlike Mahama, who failed the people as President, I have brought visible development projects to the north and Ghana," he added.