We’ll decentralise SHS food supplies — Mahama

The flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has promised to decentralise the procurement and management of food supplies for senior high schools (SHSs) across the country.

This is to avert food shortages in schools, ensure timely release of food items and also enable students to be served with the appropriate meals needed for their development.

The former President made the promise at separate rallies at Nsawkaw and Badu in the Tain District last Sunday as part of his four-day campaign in the Bono Region. 

Rationale

Mr Mahama explained that the NDC had taken the decision to decentralise the supplies because the prevailing system of procuring all food items by a central agency for distribution to schools compromised the quality and quantity of food served to students.

Under the current system, all the schools rely solely on the National Food Buffer Stock Company Limited (NAFCO) for supplies.

"Allowing schools to purchase food items from the local market can forestall food shortages in schools and ensure that students are served  good meals," he added.

Mr Mahama said such a policy would also help increase income of traders and boost the local economy at the district and regional levels.

Dialogue on SHS

On the Free SHS policy, the former President said when re-elected, he would convene a meeting with stakeholders such as headmasters, parents, CSOs and students to brainstorm measures to address challenges confronting the policy in its current form.

Mr Mahama reiterated that he would not cancel the free SHS policy.

"It is not true that I will cancel Free SHS. If anyone tells you that Mahama will cancel the policy, tell the person it is a lie. Free SHS has come to stay. I will continue the policy," he emphasised.

The former President said he would rather focus on addressing the challenges in the policy to make it robust to bring relief to parents and students as well as teachers.

Mr Mahama said he would invest heavily in infrastructural development like dormitories, classroom blocks, dining halls and other key projects in the schools.

The former President said this would help eliminate the double-track system being practised in the schools to ensure effective teaching and learning.

Retrieval of money

At Badu, Mr Mahama further said that his government would ensure the retrieval of stolen monies by appointees of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration.

He pledged to also remove the E-levy, betting tax and other retrogressive policies implemented by the government that were exacerbating the prevailing hardship faced by citizens.

The former President added that he would not only serve the people with the truth, but also work hard to bring relief to them.

Advice

The Omanhene of Nsawkaw, Okogyeaman Ampem Duodu II, advised former President Mahama to avoid the mistakes he made during his previous administration if he were given the mandate again.

"You have been a President before, the presidency is not new to you. You know the things that you did which benefited the country and the mistakes you made.

"If you get the nod to become President of the country again, try to avoid or do not repeat those mistakes," he added.

Okogyeaman Duodu further urged him to be bold and focus on implementing new policies and programmes, including projects that would imprint his name in the minds of citizens at the end of his tenure.

He appealed to the former President to absorb the Nsawkaw College of Education which was established by the chiefs and people of the area, and also ensure the rehabilitation of roads and construction of gutters to prevent flooding in communities in the area.