The NDC minority caucus in parliament has retaliated following allegations made by the majority caucus, led by their leader, Alexander Afenyo Markin, that the minority is opposing the Free SHS Policy Bill, yet to be laid in parliament.
Raising the matter on the floor of parliament during proceedings on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, minority chief whip Governs Kwame Agbodza drew the house’s attention to media publications that had captured the minority as being opposed to the bill.
However, the minority leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, also questioned the opposition, asking how they could oppose a bill they have not seen.
“Mr. Speaker, for me, I see nothing but desperation on the part of the ruling party to create some form of disaffection for NDC MPs, creating the impression that the NDC members of parliament are against a bill that is not even before parliament, a bill that we have not seen,” he expressed in disappointment.
He further questioned them, asking how long it would take for the government and the Ministry of Education to get the bill to parliament to be worked on.
“I heard them say that the bill is on its way to parliament. For how long will this bill take from Flagstaff House to Parliament House? Weeks, months, seven years?”
“Mr. Speaker, if it is coming from the Ministry of Education, that is even closer. For how long will it take the bill to move from the Ministry to Parliament House?” he asked.
However, he categorically stated that the NDC minority members of parliament would support the Free SHS bill if it seeks to improve the quality of education.
“Mr. Speaker, let me put it on record that the NDC minority members of parliament, which I lead, will support a Free SHS bill that will seek to improve the quality of education and fix lapses that we are seeing in the Free SHS implementation.”
“Let it also be on record that we have not said anywhere that the NDC is opposed to a Free SHS bill we have not seen. Rather, it is the government of the day and the majority side that have not presented the bill to us,” he clarified.
Subsequently, Dr. Ato Forson challenged them to present the bill before the house as soon as possible to be worked on.
By: Mary Quartey
