Former President John Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the challenges associated with the implementation of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy.

Speaking at a rally in Binduri during the first phase of his 2024 election campaign tour of the Upper East Region, he emphasized that the policy would not be abolished.

Instead, he promised to enhance its implementation to improve the quality and standards of education.

“If anybody tells you JM is coming to scrap free SHS, that person is a big liar. JM is coming to improve the implementation of the Free SHS. The free SHS has come to stay, but we are coming to make it a quality free SHS,” he asserted.

The 2024 presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) pledged to invest in completing abandoned school projects and expanding existing ones to create the necessary infrastructure for the policy to thrive.

This effort, he said, would eliminate the double-track system and increase contact hours in schools.

“…I wish to assure you that when we come, we are going to invest and finish all the abandoned E-Blocks…we are also going to expand the facilities in the existing schools so we can create access for Ghanaian children.

“We are doing this to stop the double-track system as soon as possible because we cannot afford the situation where our children come home and stay home for three to four months before they go back to school,” he added.

To tackle the issue of irregular food supply in secondary schools, Mahama proposed allowing headteachers to procure food for their schools instead of relying on the national buffer stock.

This, he said, would ensure that quality and healthy food is served to students while boosting local economies.

The former President also promised to create job opportunities for young people if elected. He urged voters to support him and his parliamentary candidates to secure a majority in parliament, enabling him to improve the country’s economy.

Accompanying Mahama at the rally were Professor Joshua Alabi, his National Campaign Coordinator; Mr Cletus Avoka, Member of Parliament for Zebilla; Mr. Mahama Ayariga, MP for Bawku Central; Mr. Issifu Mahoud, Parliamentary candidate for Binduri; Mrs. Joyce Bawah Mogtari, his Spokesperson; and other party executives.