I support gov't decision to use Heritage Fund for free SHS- Opare Addo

Former Chief Executive of Akuampem North Municipal Assembly in the Eastern Region under the immediate past National Democratic Congress administration George Opare Addo has thrown his Weight behind the governing New Patriotic Party government for planning to finance the Free SHS with portion of the Heritage Fund.

According to him, the move is in the right direction hence his decision to support the government.

"As for me anything about education provided it is feasible and it can be sustained I support it and that is my position. I don't care what anybody else will say, " he asserted.

Some members of the opposition National Democratic Congress and civil society groups including Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) and Integrated Social Development Centre (ISODEC) have kicked against government plan to finance the free SHS policy with portion of the Heritage Fund.

They argued that the fund was created by the Petroleum Revenue Management Act for future utilisation if the oil resources are diminished hence it is inappropriate to utilize it now.

However, Mr George Opare Addo disagreed with those kicking against it.

He said given the prevailing financial challenges confronting the country it is prudent the New Patriotic Party administration relied on the Heritage Fund to finance the party's flagship free SHS policy since that is the only available fund at the moment.

Speaking on Oman Fm's National Agenda Show Thursday hosted by Fiifi Boafo, he said, "what I'm saying is that we should allow the government to use part of the Heritage Fund to finance free SHS and then look for alternative sources of funds after two years".

Pablo, as he is affectionately called said, he had gotten to where he is in life now because of education and vowed to fight anything that seeks to impede the education of the youth.

He told Fiifi Boafo that he was offered the MCE appointment at the age of 27 because he was well educated than all those he attended the interview with.

He said he wouldn't like to be silent on the issue because "I have seen poverty and witnessed how some brilliant, but needy students had their future shattered all because their parents couldn't afford SHS after completing Junior High School."

" I have seen how parents suffer anytime schools reopens so for me I think we should support the government, "he stressed.

He is convinced that the implementation of the Free SHS would give many Ghanaians whose parents cannot afford school fees the opportunity to get educated and realized their dreams in the future.

Asked whether NDC would not come after him since his position contradict that of his party, Mr Opare Addo said, he doesn't think so because democracy is working in the NDC adding that "we are not zombies that we should all toe in one line."

Story By: Michael Creg Afful

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