Mahama Plans to Redefine Ghana’s Education and Job Creation – Krobea Asante
Krobea Asante has emphasized the importance of education and Mahama’s commitment to building on the Free SHS policy, which he assured “has come to stay.”
However, he said that a review of the program is crucial to address existing challenges, and stated that “even prominent individuals, including Ken Ofori-Atta, and associations like UTAG, NAGRAT, and GRA, have raised concerns about its implementation.”
Krobea Asante shed light on John Mahama’s ambitious plans for Ghana’s education system, and job creation as outlined in the NDC’s manifesto. Speaking on the Maakye show with the host Kwabena Owusu Dankwah, He argued that pushing nearly 80-90% of SHS1 students to SHS2 without exams, as done by the current administration, undermines the quality of education.
According to him, the government’s decision was politically motivated, sacrificing educational standards for votes. Mahama’s plan, he said, would address these gaps by engaging private schools, industry players, and stakeholders to help manage the Free SHS policy effectively. By doing so, he aims to eliminate the inconsistent schedules that have students studying for only a few months each year. The NDC’s approach also includes hiring qualified teachers to reduce double-track issues and improve the overall quality of education.
Moreover, Mahama promises to waive admission fees for all first-year tertiary students in nursing colleges, teacher training institutions, technical schools, and universities, particularly to support financially disadvantaged families.
He highlighted another key aspect of Mahama’s education plan which was establishing a dedicated fund, or “Free SHS Account,” to ensure sustainable financing for the program. This fund, developed through stakeholder consultation, aims to stabilize funding and strengthen Ghana’s educational infrastructure.
Beyond education, he outlined Mahama’s vision for job creation and a 24-hour economy. He explained that many developed nations, such as the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Italy, have successfully implemented 24-hour economic systems, and Mahama believes Ghana is equally capable. By operating businesses around the clock, Mahama aims to create more employment opportunities while stimulating growth across various sectors. Those dismissing the 24-hour economy, he argued, either “lack intellectual honesty” or “have a limited understanding of its potential.”
Job creation, particularly for Ghana’s youth, is central to Mahama’s manifesto. He mentioned that under Mahama’s previous government, investments were made in companies like Danadams and Kinapharma to support the pharmaceutical sector. The Accra Digital Centre, established during Mahama’s administration, would be instrumental in training one million young people in digital skills. Mahama’s plans also include training 10,000 youth entrepreneurs to support startups, further enhancing job opportunities and economic resilience.
In addition, Mahama has proposed a Women’s Development Bank to provide financial support specifically for women in business. This initiative seeks to empower women entrepreneurs and reduce interest rates to make business financing more accessible.
Finally, Mahama’s “MahamaCare” initiative aims to extend the health insurance scheme, covering medicines and treatments not currently included. Through MahamaCare, he hopes to make healthcare more comprehensive and accessible, addressing the critical health needs of Ghanaians.
Krobea Asante desired Ghanaians to consider Mahama’s proposals as a roadmap for Ghana’s future, encouraging citizens to support Mahama’s vision for a prosperous and inclusive nation.
Story by: Joyce Owusu Dankwah
