STATEMENT: The Illogical Better Ghana Agenda

PREAMBLE Within the space of one year, the NDC government under the guise of a better Ghana agenda has tried without success to claim to have made the lives of you and me better. As most Ghanaians grope in pitch Economic darkness, the situation gets worst by the day, as one negative and unacceptable developments show up at repeated intervals. The Youth Wing of the New Patriotic Party in the Eastern Region has chanced upon thrilling unprecedented revelations and for that matter, wishes to put them in context for the good people of this country: 1. ADMINISTRATIVE GRANT (Quarterly Grant)- This facility is paid to all Government Institutions to aid them in the execution of their administrative responsibilities. However, since January this year, no amount has been paid by the so called better Ghana government to any of the State Institutions. Investigations conducted by the Youth Wing revealed that repeated demands from these Institutions have been met with stark disappointment. It is even more surprising that critical State Institutions such as the Security Services have all been left to their fate by this NDC government. By this release, we are seeking to know what the cause to this unfortunate development is, and also demand an immediate solution to the problem. This is critical in the face of the fact that State Institutions have come under intense criticisms for non performance. It is needless to remind the NDC government that one of the important variables of good governance is the strengthening of State Institutions. It appears this government is rather more interested in building on its party than State Institutions. We find this out of place and demand an immediate reverse of the trend. 2.GETFUND SCHOOL FEES SUBSIDY- Quite recently, we have had reports of SHS in the northern part of the country struggling to operate because of nonpayment of mandatory subsidies by this NDC government. A thorough investigations into the affairs of SHS in this country recently, revealed that since the third term of last Academic year, this fund has not been paid by this government for reasons best known to the leadership of the Administration. In the last address by the president, his Excellency John Dramani Mahama, he indicated that the funds would be released by last week. The clock is still ticking and it is all dead silence from the government. Indeed, we are all aware of this Administration�s stiff opposition to free SHS. However, this is a usual payment that has been effected by various governments without any difficulty. The body that heads these SHS, Conference of Heads of Assisted Senior Secondary Schools (CHASS) has indicated officially that the matter is making school administration difficult on many occasions. It is most ironical that a government that prides itself as a socialist government could reduce school administration in a developing country to this level for administrators to beg for what is due them in executing their duties for our children in SHS. We herein empathize with the teeming students and heads of these schools and call for an emergency response to save our schools. 3. CAPITATION FOR JHS SPORTS- Apart from the production of Cocoa which shot this country into international lime lights, sports is one of the reasons of which this country is respected internationally. Educationist would even tell you that an all round development of the child is key. Financial facility to ensure the development of sports at the JHS level has not been paid since the second term of last academic year. If there are any lessons to be learnt from the last abysmal show at the Olympic Games by this country, then let this government show the necessary commitment to sports development by honoring payments of capitation for JHS sports as soon as possible. The Youth Wing of the New Patriotic Party in the Eastern Region cannot rationalize the payment of fraudulent judgment debts as against the refusal to pay mandatory and critical subsidies to State Institutions. Under the unfortunate reign of the NDC government, State Institutions are deprived but, party boys and fanatics have become the toast of his Excellency John Dramani Mahama. These backward socialist antics should be condemned by all well meaning Ghanaians by voting out the NDC�s corrupt and incompetent Administration. We demand solutions to our problems as a Nation not an address that fails to postulate measures to resolve the grinding poverty, corruption, and high school dropouts. Perhaps, this explains why the NDC government and party are against the free SHS policy of the NPP which has become the toast and a converging point for the Youth of this country. We extend a clarion call to all Ghanaians that if you believe in quality free SHS assessable by all able and willing Ghanaian, then, the NPP is your party. On the other hand, if you believe in the failed better Ghana agenda policies of the NDC, then, the dangerous path of neglect and despair is yours. This press release is dedicated to all those institutions that have not received their administrative quarterly grants, GETfund school fees subsidy, and capitation for JHS sports. We urge you to join hands with us to act on courage of your convictions despite this government�s negligence. They should not only occupy their positions until we take over from them in December, but work to improve the lives of our students and institutions. Thank you. SIGNED Annoh-Dompreh, Frank. Eastern Regional Youth Organizer