The Former spokesperson for the Ministry of Education during the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo administration Kwasi Kwarteng, has urged the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to prove its ability to effectively manage the Free Senior High School (SHS) programme.
Speaking on Oyerepa TV on January 9, 2025, Kwarteng aimed the NDC for their previous criticisms regarding the quality of food provided to Free SHS students under the past administration.
Kwesi Kwarteng challenged the NDC to follow through on their criticisms by significantly improving the food standards for students, even suggesting that the government consider high-end dining options as a benchmark.
“They criticized the food we provided for Free SHS students, saying it wasn’t good enough. Now that they’re in power, let’s see them feed the students in grand style. Perhaps they can take them to places like Kempinski and Lancaster three times a day so everyone can see how capable they are of managing the education sector,” he said.
He also added, “Maybe on Saturdays, they can also treat the students to luxurious meals at these five-star establishments in the morning, afternoon, and evening.”
He again pointed out what he called the “organic politics” at play, where political rivalry often leads to sharp criticisms. Likewise, he emphasized that the NDC should move past words and demonstrate their competence by delivering tangible improvements in the Free SHS programme.
In opposition, the NDC had accused the previous government of providing substandard and even expired food to SHS students. Now that they are in power, the party faces the challenge of delivering on their promises and improving the programme they once heavily criticized.
