Ex-MP Supports Nana Addo's Free SHS Programme

Free SHS Group, a pro-NPP group

THE FORMER Member of Parliament for the Bantama Constituency, Mad. Cecilia Abena Dapaah has launched a programme to collect data on all basic school leavers who qualified for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) but could not further their education due to financial constraints.

The former MP says her major aim is to collect a comprehensive statistics on the number of young girls and boys who have been denied the opportunity to further their education because their parents cannot afford their fees and other expenses.

Hon. Abena Dapaah is undertaking the project in collaboration with the Free SHS Group, a pro-NPP group with strong commitment towards Nana Addo's Free Senior High School Policy.

The former Legislature has, therefore, donated two sets of brand new multi-purpose computers, valued at GH¢4,000.00 to the executives of the group to begin the process of capturing the data of all prospective students in the Ashanti Region.

Apart from capturing the data, the setting up of the Computer Laboratory would also enable the students the opportunity to study Information Communication Technology (ICT) in order to enhance their future careers.

Hon. Abena Dapaah said she was very passionate about education, particularly amongst the youth and saw the partnership as an opportunity to collect a scientific data for immediate and future programme.

According to her, the data would also capture the socio-economic and demographic details of all students for future action. She noted that the data, amongst other things, would inform her and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) of records of young boys and girls who need support to further their education and improve their means of livelihood.

"I am also hoping to solicit funds and encourage sitting MPs to contribute towards supporting these students who through no fault of theirs cannot pursue their academic dreams because the NPP could not win power to implement the free SHS policy," she pointed out.

She indicated that development without data is nothing, stressing that comprehensive and relevant statistics are required to inform policy decisions.

Receiving the items, the Coordinator of the Free SHS Prayer Group, Andy Owusu, stated that the former MP has consistently supported them in their programmes and was the brain behind the name and idea of the group.

He indicated that currently the number of membership stands at 2,000 in Ashanti Region alone and was looking forward to registering more.