Obiri Boahen Urges Majority to Make Free SHS Mandatory in Proposed Bill

Legal practitioner Nana Obiri Boahen has called on members of the majority in Parliament to amend the proposed Free SHS bill to include mandatory provision for free Senior High School education.

The introduction of the Free SHS bill has sparked significant controversy between minority and majority members of Parliament.

The Minority has strongly cautioned Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin against making misleading statements that incite public sentiment against the National Democratic Congress (NDC) regarding the proposed legislation.

On June 24, Afenyo-Markin accused the Minority, particularly Akatsi North MP Peter Kwasi Nortsu-Kotoe, of opposing the bill, which aims to enshrine the Free SHS policy into law and ensure its continuity across successive governments.

He argued that passing legislation is essential to effectively regulate the policy, despite the aspirational provisions in the constitution for Free SHS.

However, on June 25, Minority Chief Whip Kwame Governs Agbodza refuted these claims, labeling Afenyo-Markin’s assertions as baseless.

Agbodza stressed that there is no bill currently before the House for the Minority to oppose.

In an interview, Nana Obiri Boahen criticized the NDC for spreading misinformation and disinformation, accusing them of obstructing progress.

He emphasized his awareness of the NDC’s historical opposition to governmental policies.

Nana Obiri Boahen commended the NPP for successfully implementing the Free SHS policy, describing it as a significant achievement.

“If Free SHS had been introduced in the 1970s, 1980s, or 1990s, it would have facilitated higher education for many Ghanaians,” he remarked.