John Mahama Accuses Government of Vote-Buying Through Tablet Distribution
Former President John Mahama criticizes the government's distribution of tablets to high school students, labeling it as a form of vote-buying.
John Mahama's Accusations
Former President John Mahama has publicly denounced the government's recent initiative to distribute tablets to high school students, deeming it as a blatant attempt at vote-buying. In a scathing critique delivered at a student forum held at Wisconsin University in Accra, the NDC flagbearer expressed his concerns that the move was strategically orchestrated to sway the allegiance of young voters towards the ruling NPP party in the upcoming December polls.
Mahama highlighted the disparity in educational resources, pointing out that many basic schools have been devoid of textbooks for the past four years. He insinuated that the sudden provision of tablets to pre-tertiary students was a thinly veiled ploy to secure their political support. With a sharp tone, he remarked, "Of course, everybody knows the political expediency."
- You bring a new curriculum, but children lack essential textbooks.
- The tablets are an attempt to entice students turning 18 to vote for the current government.
Despite acknowledging the importance of advancing technology in education, Mahama argued that there are more pressing needs in the education sector, such as adequate funding for school-feeding programs. He emphasized that the students do not exist in isolation but are part of households and families that face various challenges beyond digital devices.
The Government's One Student, One Tablet Initiative
President Akufo-Addo launched the "One Student, One Tablet" initiative for Senior High School students on March 25, 2024, with the aim of enhancing computer literacy and technological proficiency among Ghanaian youth. The program seeks to equip each SHS student with a pre-programmed laptop to facilitate research, teaching, and learning activities.
During the launch event, President Akufo-Addo stated, "To distribute 1.3 million educational tablets to students in SHSs. That is one student and one tablet under the Ghana Smart Schools Project." He emphasized the role of digital content in transforming the future of education and envisioned a seamless blend of online and offline learning experiences.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, announced that the first batch of 450,000 free student tablets, fully funded through the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFUND), would soon be distributed. The initiative has been divided into three phases, with 450,000 tablets allocated to 32 schools to ensure an equitable distribution process.
Mahama's Skepticism and Counterarguments
Despite the government's efforts to portray the tablet distribution as a step towards educational advancement, John Mahama remains unconvinced that it will significantly influence the voting decisions of the beneficiaries. Drawing a vivid analogy, he remarked, "Bankers have become Uber drivers. Those are the same people whose children are in pre-tertiary education. So you think if you give his child a tablet, the child will vote for you? After what you have done to their parents?"
Contrary to Mahama's assertions, the Executive Director for National Distance Learning, Nana Gyamfi Adwabour, defended the government's initiative as a crucial step towards ensuring quality education. Adwabour emphasized that in the era of the fourth industrial revolution, digital tools like tablets are essential for students to actively participate in transformative learning experiences.
Addressing concerns about political motives behind the distribution, Adwabour stated, "It is very unfortunate for anyone to say it has any political connotations looking at the times we are in, especially in the fourth industrial revolution where we are transitioning everything online. We don’t want to leave any child out in this transformational agenda."
In conclusion (avoid using this phrase), while the debate surrounding the government's tablet distribution initiative continues to unfold, it remains evident that education plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of Ghana's youth. As stakeholders navigate these discussions, the ultimate goal should be to empower students with the necessary tools and resources to thrive in an increasingly digital landscape.
Hey, I'm Fateh Muhammad, a Lahore local with a passion for arts and politics. My journey led me through the halls of the National College of Arts, where I delved into the intricacies of both disciplines. Now calling Lahore home, I'm here to share my insights and perspectives on the dynamic intersection of art and politics. Let's embark on this enlightening journey together! Connect With Me .