Desist from branding public schools in NPP colours - NDC MP warns minister

Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, Member of Parliament for Builsa South has called on the Minister for Education Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum to desist from rebranding of public basic schools in colours associated with the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) MP condemned the proposed repainting of public schools in blue and white, as well as the introduction of blue and white uniforms, amidst what he described as an economic crisis in Ghana.

“The Minister for Education should cease forthwith, and with immediate effect, desist from any further rebranding of public basic schools in Ghana in NPP colours,” he said in a press statement.

He criticized the allocation of resources to such endeavours while highlighting pressing issues within the education sector.

The MP questioned the Minister's priorities, pointing out the lack of access to furniture for over a million public basic school pupils and the delayed supply of textbooks and capitation grants.

He emphasized the urgent need to address challenges such as infrastructural deficits, inadequate textbooks, furniture shortages, and unpaid utility bills affecting teaching and learning in public schools across the country.

“How can he, at this time of economic crisis in Ghana, be thinking of wasting public resources to repaint public schools in Blue and White colours; and introduce wearing of Blue and White uniforms in public schools, when 1 million-plus public basic school pupils have no access to furniture?

“Has the Minister forgotten, what he told Parliament, during his last visit? In his report to Parliament, it has been captured, that only 65% of textbooks have been supplied thus far?

“Maybe he needs a reminder. May I remind him, that capitation grants are still in arrears for the equivalent of eight terms?

“How could rebranding be a priority in the face of these challenges facing public education in Ghana?" he added.

The Ministry of Education recently hinted at its intention to revamp public schools, with a proposal to paint them in a combination of white and blue colours.

CEASE, DESIST FROM BRANDING GHANA PUBLIC BASIC SCHOOLS IN NPP COLOURS

The Minister for Education should cease forthwith, and with immediate effect, desist from any further rebranding public basic schools in Ghana in NPP colours.

How can he, at this time of economic crisis in…

— Dr. Clement Abas Apaak (@DrApaak) April 26, 2024