President John Dramani Mahama yesterday, September 13, gave highlights of his party’s manifesto which will be launched on September 17 in the Brong Ahafo Regional capital, Sunyani.
The manifesto is broken down into four thematic areas
1. Putting People first- Social services
2. A strong and resilient economy for job creation
3. Expanding social and economic infrastructure – water, resources and housing
4. Transparent and Accountable governance
The President, presenting highlights of the manifesto to Ministers of State and other dignitaries at the state banquet hall made some startling revelations as to how he intends to improve education in the country.
To start with, the President noted that technical education and vocational education has been sidelined over the years. However, he mentioned that his second term in office will see him appoint a deputy minister of education in charge of technical and vocational education. This according to the President, will afford the opportunity of improving technical and vocational education in the country. He mentioned that he will link educational institutions to industries to provide students with opportunities.
Also, the President promised to put teachers first in his second term in office. Teachers, especially those in various rural areas are always complaining of bad conditions of service. However, there is a wind of change to be blown at them. John Dramani Mahama mentioned that he will provide accommodation for teachers who accept posting to rural areas.
He also mentioned that he will provide basic school pupils with electronic textbooks (e-books) to replace text books. He intends to do this by providing tablet for each student. He also promised to extend the progressive free SHS policy to boarding students.
Finally, he indicated that there will be increased career counselling in order to direct students into places where the job markets need them most. This according to the president will be done by setting up and strenghten existing career guidance departments in various schools in the country.
