…Rallies Suhum Voters, Advocates for Bawumia, Free SHS Continuation
As Ghana prepares for a highly anticipated general election in December 2024, Suhum constituency candidate for Parliament, Opare Hammond – popularly known as “Protozoa” – has been rallying support for both his parliamentary bid and the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
Protozoa has been urging Suhum voters to back the NPP in the upcoming elections, describing it as a choice for progress and continuity, particularly in the area of education.
Speaking at a gathering in Suhum when the second lady Samira Bawumia visited the constituency, Protozoa outlined his commitment to delivering in Parliament, should he receive the mandate from voters, and made a compelling case for Dr. Bawumia, emphasizing the NPP’s flagship Free Senior High School (Free SHS) program.
He described the program as a transformative policy that has lifted financial burdens from families across Ghana and argued that the upcoming election is not merely a contest between the NPP and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), but a referendum on the future of Free SHS and educational accessibility.
“This election isn’t just about party lines,” Protozoa told the crowd. “This election is about securing the future of Free SHS and ensuring that it continues to benefit every Ghanaian child. A vote for the NPP is a vote for progress, a vote to keep Free SHS in place, and a vote to give every Ghanaian family the chance to educate their children.”
Protozoa also recounted the financial struggles that parents historically faced in sending their children to senior high school, often forcing many to drop out due to prohibitive fees.
By removing those financial barriers, Free SHS has enabled hundreds of thousands of Ghanaian students to access secondary education, he said, calling the program one of the NPP’s landmark achievements.
The parliamentary candidate drew on historical examples to illustrate the importance of accessible education. He noted that during the era of Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, education policies also prioritized inclusivity.
According to Protozoa, former President John Mahama – who is running against Dr. Bawumia in the upcoming election – personally benefited from Nkrumah’s vision of Free Education. He pointed out that Mahama’s father initially enrolled him in Achimota School, known at the time for serving wealthier families, but later moved him to become a beneficiary of Nkrumah’s Free Education policy. Protozoa used this example to underscore why all Ghanaians, regardless of location or financial background, should have the same access to educational opportunities.
“If John Mahama’s family could benefit from Free Education back then, why should today’s Ghanaian youth in places like Suhum and other villages be denied the benefits of Free SHS?” Protozoa questioned.
“This program levels the playing field and gives every child, no matter where they come from, a fair chance at a better future.”
He further stressed that the NPP has prioritized not only education but also social programs aimed at supporting vulnerable groups, particularly in the informal sector.
Protozoa praised Dr. Bawumia’s efforts in improving the lives of head porters, or “kayayei,” by providing them with vocational training, jobs, and housing solutions.
The construction of hostels for ‘kayayei’ in urban centers like Accra, he noted, is a testament to the NPP’s commitment to empowering marginalized communities.
“Bawumia has not only spoken about support for the vulnerable but has shown it in his actions,” Protozoa told the crowd.
“He has trained kayayei, given them skills, provided them with job opportunities, and built hostels so they have a place to stay in the city. This is what real leadership looks like – practical solutions for real issues. I am confident that he will bring that same dedication to education and development for all Ghanaians.”
Protozoa urged Suhum residents to think about the future of their children and communities as they head to the polls. He emphasized that the continuation of Free SHS would secure educational opportunities for future generations, helping to break cycles of poverty and create a more educated workforce for Ghana’s growing economy.
He concluded his message with a direct appeal to voters: “Give me the mandate to represent Suhum in Parliament, and I will deliver on my promises. Give Dr. Bawumia the mandate as president, and together, we will build on what has already been achieved, making Free SHS and other transformative policies accessible to every Ghanaian.”
With the stakes high, Protozoa’s call for support resonates not only with his commitment to Suhum but with a broader vision for Ghana’s educational future.
As Election Day approaches, his message of continuity, opportunity, and investment in Ghana’s youth underscores the NPP’s pitch to voters for 2024.
