President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has urged former President John Dramani Mahama to recognize his contribution to the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, rather than claiming credit for himself. Akufo-Addo’s remarks come in response to Mahama’s recent assertion that his government initiated the Free SHS policy in 2015.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony for the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) running mate, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, Akufo-Addo expressed surprise at Mahama’s attempt to take credit for the policy. He recalled how Mahama criticized him when he first announced the intention to implement the Free SHS policy, only to now claim ownership of the initiative.

Akufo-Addo questioned Mahama’s sincerity, pointing out the contradictions in his statements. “If he introduced the policy, why did he criticize us when we intended to introduce it? He said if he had 2 billion cedis, he would not invest it in free education.” The President argued that if Mahama had indeed introduced the policy, he would not have criticized the NPP for proposing it.

The President’s call for acknowledgment is a testament to his commitment to the Free SHS policy, which has benefited thousands of Ghanaian students. Akufo-Addo’s administration has invested heavily in the policy, which has become a hallmark of his presidency. By acknowledging Akufo-Addo’s role in introducing the policy, Mahama can demonstrate his willingness to put aside political differences and acknowledge the success of the policy.

The exchange between Akufo-Addo and Mahama highlights the ongoing political rivalry between the two leaders, with Akufo-Addo seeking to protect his legacy and Mahama attempting to bolster his reputation ahead of the upcoming elections. However, the President’s call for acknowledgment also presents an opportunity for Mahama to show statesmanship and acknowledge the success of the Free SHS policy, regardless of political affiliations.