Ato Forson responds to Afenyo Markin: ‘There is no Free SHS bill currently in Parliament.

The Minority Leader in Parliament, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has refuted allegations by Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin that the minority opposes a bill on the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy.

Dr. Forson countered these claims by highlighting that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party, publicly expressed opposition to a law regulating the Free SHS policy.

Dr. Forson made these remarks while addressing journalists in Parliament.

“Over the past few days, my colleague, the Majority Leader [Alexander Afenyo-Markin], has accused the NDC minority of not supporting the Free Senior High School bill. Let me clarify that there is no such bill currently before Parliament. This is the first time we are hearing from him that the government is considering a bill to be presented to Parliament called the Free Senior High School Bill.

But as of now, there is no bill before Parliament. It’s important to clarify that we cannot oppose a bill that hasn’t been presented to us. We have not stated anywhere that we intend to oppose such a bill.”

The Minority Leader urged the NPP to expedite the presentation of the bill, emphasizing that they would consistently support any legislation.

“Our stance is clear. The NDC minority will always support any legislation aimed at enhancing and sustaining the Free Senior High School policy.

“In fact, if there is anyone in this country on record opposing a Free SHS law, it is the Vice President. Vice President Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia has publicly stated that there is no need for a bill or law to regulate Free Senior High School, not the NDC. He is on record saying that all that is required is commitment.