The Bawku Central New Patriotic Party (NPP) Youth Wing has appealed to the Member of Parliament for Bawku Central and Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, to support graduates of the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in the constituency.
The youth wing is calling on the MP to provide essential items including chop boxes, mattresses, buckets, provisions and other basic necessities to help graduates prepare for their transition to Senior High School.
In a statement signed by its Youth Organiser, Awudu Zanga-Naa Suraju, and Deputy Youth Organiser, Ibrahim Fuseini, the group said although the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy had removed tuition and related school fees as a major financial burden on families, parents were still required to provide basic items for their wards.
The group commended the previous NPP administration for introducing the Free SHS policy, which it said had expanded access to secondary education for families across Ghana, including those in Bawku Central.
However, it argued that the economic difficulties resulting from the prolonged conflict in Bawku had made it difficult for some families to meet the additional costs associated with sending their children to Senior High School.
According to the youth wing, businesses and household incomes in the constituency have been adversely affected by the conflict, leaving some parents struggling to afford basic school supplies.
It said BECE graduates should not be made to bear the consequences of circumstances beyond their control.
The youth wing therefore proposed the establishment or support of a Bawku Central BECE Graduates Support Initiative to provide essential items to graduates, particularly those from vulnerable and economically disadvantaged households.
The group said such support would provide immediate relief to families while demonstrating that young people in the constituency continued to have the attention and support of their leaders.
It further argued that investment in education was important to the long-term rebuilding of Bawku, describing support for young people as an investment in the constituency’s future development and prosperity.
The NPP youth wing said its appeal was not intended as partisan confrontation but was motivated by concerns about the economic circumstances confronting families in the constituency.
It also called on individuals, businesses, traditional leaders, civil society organisations and other stakeholders from Bawku and beyond to complement efforts to support students preparing to enter senior high school.
“Our children deserve every opportunity to succeed. Let us not allow the economic consequences of conflict to become a barrier to their education,” the statement said.
The group urged Mr. Ayariga to consider the request and provide support to BECE graduates, particularly those from vulnerable households.
A1Radio |101.1Mhz | Joshua Asaah
