Protect Free SHS – Prof. Smart Sarpong Reacts to Afrobarometer Report
Professor Smart Sarpong (a researcher and senior lecturer at Kumasi Technical University) shared his views on research conducted by Afrobarometer ahead of the 2024 polls indicating that free SHS must be protected.
85% of Ghanaians want the Free SHS to be maintained, 79% also want the Planting for Food and Jobs to continue, and 71% of the respondents want the One Village, One Dam policy to continue. However, 82% of Ghanaians want the E-Levy to be abolished. The report stated,
The report stated that as Ghanaians are preparing for this year’s elections, certain government policies would influence their decision to vote.
This has gained divers opinions in the media space, of which Professor Sarpong was not an exception. He added that, as a renowned researcher, he appreciates the relevance of research on electoral outcomes.
He made his views on the free SHS policy clear that it’s a national policy that has come to stay, and irrespective of whoever wins this election in December, the policy must be maintained.
Similarly, the professor shared the struggles he had to go through before getting that far; hence, he has been a strong advocate of the policy.
Again, regarding the polls conducted by various organizations and individuals, Professor Smart Sarpong reported on the research he has conducted about this year’s elections, which is yet to be announced.
Prof. Smart Sarpong’s Previous Predictions
In the run-up to the 2020 elections, Professor Sarpong accurately predicted a 51.4% win for President Akufo-Addo. His research confirmed the electoral commission’s outcomes, with the NPP securing 52.3% and the NDC garnering 47.1%.
He became a victim of social media trolls, with some known and anonymous characters raining insults on him.
Responding to the trolls and tantrums, he has justified his works, stating emphatically that he is a researcher who does his research work professionally.
He shared his professionalism, saying, “I don’t have any direct interest. In fact, in my previous elections, I have done four major press conferences that are regularly made open.”. From my joy FM online.
As the 2024 elections approach, Professor Sarpong’s track record of accurate predictions driven by science and data has earned him recognition.
His forthcoming polls are highly anticipated, and expectations are high for another accurate outcome.
Story By: Precious Oforiwaa Agyei
