Seth Terkper’s recent remarks on the Free SHS policy have ignited intense debate within the National Democratic Congress (NDC), particularly among its youth members.
The former finance minister, during an interview on TV3, proposed that the policy be limited to day students rather than remaining universal.
Drawing from European examples, Terkper argued for a more targeted approach, emphasizing the financial burden of maintaining the policy in its current form. “Why don’t we follow their examples? What makes us think that we should support free SHS unfettered? Unfettered in the sense that the government takes every cost,” he stated.
This perspective, though pragmatic, has unsettled some party members. Many NDC youth, who believe they have worked tirelessly to rebuild public trust, expressed frustration with Terkper’s remarks.
They fear that his suggestion could alienate voters who view Free SHS as a lifeline for many families.
A section of the party’s youth took to social media to voice their concerns, while others saw the proposal as a necessary acknowledgement of the country’s dire financial reality.
Amid the internal discord, PV Jantuah Dadson Boateng, a member of the NDC communications team, urged restraint. In a social media post, he wrote, “Stop insulting Hon. Seth Emmanuel Terkper. Right after the transition, you will be shocked by the Free SHS arrears.
We have a herculean task ahead of us.” Boateng’s call reflects the gravity of the challenges awaiting the NDC should they take over governance. Ghana’s economy, burdened with debt and fiscal constraints, presents an uphill battle for sustaining costly social programs like Free SHS.
