Education Remains Contentious Among 2012 Presidential Candidates

The second part of the IEA debate began with the candidates answering questions on education, which has been a topical issue in this year's campaign. The candidates were divided on whether secondary education can be made free. The Convention People�s Party and New Patriotic Party, NPP, who have touted free education at different levels, believed it is possible, but the NDC insisted the focus must be on basic education through expansion and accessibility. The People�s National Convention, PNC Candidate, Hassan Ayariga supported this suggestion. They believe access and quality should be of priority. Dr. Sakara started this part of the debate. The NPP which has been propounding the issue of free Senior High School insists that it is possible despite the many criticism. Nana Akuffo Addo said there is the need to prioritise by addressing the waste in the system. For his part, the President John Dramani Mahama insists that focus should be on the provision of access and the restructuring system to improve quality. He said an NDC government will increase the current 50 million allocated for education to 100 million Ghana cedis.