Some Chiefs and Traditional leaders of the newly created Bono Region have applauded President Akufo-Addo for the realization of his Free Senior High School promise in the build-up to the 2016 general elections, ABC News can report.
According to the chiefs of the area, the intervention by the President has enabled children who had no hope of furthering their education beyond the Junior High School level to gain admission into some prestigious secondary schools in the Region.
Speaking on behalf of the Chiefs in the Region during a courtesy call by the President yesterday, Nana Bofo Bene IV, who is the President of the Bono Region House of Chiefs and the “Dwenemhene” indicated that the President has managed to do what others deemed impossible.
“Others said it was impossible. You, President Akufo-Addo, on the other hand, said you will do it. You came into office, and you have done it. You have seen to the realization of Free SHS, If no one will commend you for Free SHS, we, the people of Bono Region, will gladly do so. Congratulations Nana. Today, a child from a village like Boadwo has been admitted to study at St. James Seminary and Senior High School, as a result of your commitment to broadening access to education” the Chief stated.
He added that “those who claim Free SHS is not good have all been shamed.”
According to government, an estimated 1.2 million children have so far benefited from the Free SHS policy.
The Dwenemhene further thanked the Akufo-Addo government for the restoration of nursing and teacher trainee allowances, which, he said, has relieved students of untold hardships in the course of their studies.
He told President Akufo-Addo, through the Ministry for Education, to address issues regarding the categorization of Senior High Schools in the region, and improve the tourist attractions in the region, as it could serve as a source for the creation of jobs and wealth for the people of the Region.
President Akufo-Addo will end his two-day official visit to the Bono Region today after which the President will pay a working visit to the Ashanti and Eastern regions.
