Over 1 million basic school children have no furniture – Mahama

Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has been criticized by former President John Dramani Mahama for failing to address the severe lack of tables and equipment in Upper West Region schools. In his comments, Mahama makes the case that the Vice President is ignoring a significant problem, highlighting the sharp difference between Bawumia’s conduct when in opposition and his present position in government.

Mahama recounted how often Bawumia visited the area while serving as President Nana Akufo-Addo’s running mate. The former president claims that Bawumia frequently brought attention to the lack of furniture in schools by taking pictures of kids sitting on stones and accusing the National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration of failing to supply necessities.

“Today, 1.3 million basic school children have no furniture. During the NDC’s time, Bawumia would visit and donate furniture to the schools. But now that he is in charge of the budget, he doesn’t even need to use his own money. He can simply allocate funds from the budget and provide these children with the furniture they need,” Mahama stated.

Bawumia was also urged to keep his pledges made during his opposition by Mahama, who challenged him to visit the Upper West Region and see the condition of the schools there now that need furnishings. The former president also took issue with how the government was managing the infrastructure for education, namely the abandoned school projects that were initiated during the NDC administration.

“The only money that accrues to the GETFund is 40%, and it’s not enough to pay contractors. Dormitory blocks, classrooms, dining halls, and administration buildings are all left standing incomplete,” Mahama said. He went on to say that the government’s poor resource management has left important projects uncompleted, that include that of NDC’s “E-block” community day schools.

Ghana’s schools have long struggled with a lack of proper facilities and furnishings, and Mahama’s difficulty increases the pressure on the government to give education first priority and fulfill public pledges.

Source: Ghanatodayonline.com