NPP GERMANY
PRESS RELEASE
16—01—2025
On FREE SHS: A Grotesque NDC Puppet, Oliver Barker-Vormawor Adds Up To The Misguided Recklessness
It’s perplexing, if not outright infuriating, that a supposed advocate for the public good like Oliver Barker-Vormawor would dare compare a politically charged initiative like Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) to the transformative Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme, a policy that has reshaped the lives of millions of Ghanaian youth.
To NPP GERMANY, such reckless commentary not only betrays his partisan allegiances but also insults the intelligence of Ghanaians who value real progress over hollow rhetoric.
Oliver Barker-Vormawor’s recent remarks comparing Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) to the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) initiative are not only misguided but also dangerously dismissive of the immense impact Free SHS has had on Ghanaian society.
In a brazen display of political short-sightedness, Barker-Vormawor, a supposed activist and legal practitioner, has audaciously placed a governmental anti-corruption task force above a groundbreaking educational policy that has transformed the lives of countless Ghanaian youth.
His assertion that ORAL could secure “30 elections” if implemented effectively is not only baseless but also undermines the fundamental importance of education in shaping the future of any nation.
Let us be unequivocally clear: Free SHS, introduced under the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo administration, stands as a monumental achievement in Ghana’s pursuit of equitable access to education.
It has liberated families from the burden of school fees, empowered students to dream beyond their circumstances, and laid the groundwork for a more educated and skilled workforce.
In contrast, ORAL, while undoubtedly important in combating corruption, cannot and should not be elevated above the transformative power of education. Corruption undoubtedly erodes public trust and diverts resources meant for development.
However, to suggest that an anti-corruption initiative surpasses Free SHS in national significance is not just misguided but reflects a distorted set of priorities.
Barker-Vormawor’s comments reflect a worrying trend within certain political circles where short-term political gains overshadow long-term developmental goals.
While we acknowledge the importance of tackling corruption, it must never come at the expense of celebrating and safeguarding the gains made in education and human development.
The Free SHS initiative represents a commitment to investing in Ghana’s future generations, ensuring that every child, regardless of economic background, has access to quality education.
It is a cornerstone of national development, fostering social mobility, and equipping young Ghanaians with the skills and knowledge needed to contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Therefore, let us not allow misguided political rhetoric to diminish the profound impact of Free SHS on Ghanaian society.
It is through sustained investment in education, not fleeting anti-corruption campaigns, that we secure a prosperous and equitable future for all Ghanaians.
Oliver Barker-Vormawor’s attempt to diminish Free SHS in favor of ORAL is not just irresponsible but fundamentally shortsighted.
Ghana’s future lies in its youth, educated and empowered, not in the transient successes of political maneuvers.
A Slap in the Face of Ghanaian Youth
The Free SHS policy has provided an avenue for countless Ghanaian children from disadvantaged backgrounds to access education—a fundamental right and a cornerstone of national development.
By alleviating the financial burden on families, the programme has paved the way for a more educated populace, improved literacy rates, and enhanced opportunities for social mobility.
Yet, for Barker-Vormawor, such tangible benefits pale in comparison to a flashy initiative like ORAL, which, by its design, reeks of political gimmickry rather than genuine reform.
The Hypocrisy of the NDC and Its Puppets
Let’s not mince words: ORAL is a desperate attempt by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to rewrite its corruption-ridden history under the guise of accountability.
For someone like Barker-Vormawor to champion this initiative as “bigger than Free SHS” underscores how detached he is from the realities of ordinary Ghanaians.
It’s easy to pontificate about corruption recovery when you’re insulated by privilege and partisan loyalty, but to dismiss a programme that has directly impacted the lives of millions? That’s the height of hypocrisy.
Empty Promises Disguised as Reform
The ORAL initiative, while seemingly noble on paper, is rife with questions. Who oversees the investigators? What safeguards ensure that recovered funds are transparently managed?
History reminds us that similar NDC-led anti-corruption initiatives have often been smokescreens for political witch-hunts, with little to no real outcomes.
Yet Barker-Vormawor has the audacity to claim that this initiative is a game-changer, ignoring the NDC’s own failures in tackling corruption during their tenure.
Ghanaians Deserve Better
What Ghana needs is sustained, practical policies that uplift lives—not politically motivated PR stunts masquerading as reform.
The Free SHS programme represents a tangible investment in the future of this country, an achievement that will outlast any administration.
ORAL, on the other hand, seems like a passing fad, designed to whip up partisan fervor without addressing systemic issues.
Oliver Barker-Vormawor’s reckless attack on Free SHS and blind endorsement of ORAL expose him as a partisan puppet willing to sacrifice common sense for political expediency.
Ghanaians must see through this charade and continue to demand policies that prioritize their welfare over political theatrics.
We Say KUDOS to Nana Addo-Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Dr. Bawumia government!!!
God Bless Our Homeland Ghana!!!
Long Live Nana Addo-Dankwa Akufo-Addo!!
Long Live the Elephant Party!!!!
Kukruduuuu Eeeessshiii!!!
Signed:
Nana Osei Boateng
NPP Germany Branch
Communications Director
