Former President John Mahama has come under fire for his constant criticism of the Free Senior High School program, as well as for disparaging the intelligence of Ghanaian students and the moral character of the educators who work tirelessly to provide knowledge and support the country's youth.

Dennis Miracles Aboagye, the director of communications for the ruling New Patriotic Party's 2024 campaign team, expressed concern about the behavior of the NDC flagbearer. He stated that Mr. Mahama is abusing his power to commit wicked acts against SHS students, graduates, and, consequently, parents of SHS wards and their teachers.

Addressing a Press conference, the Communication Director of Dr. Bawumia Campaign Team explained that since the implementation of the FREE SHS policy, there have been several attempts by the NDC and its failed leader to discredit the policy in many ways.

According to him, this does not come as a surprise because even before the policy was implemented, John Mahama and his NDC downplayed and ridiculed the policy, saying it was not possible, because if it was, Nkrumah would have implemented it.

He explained that the NDC and John Mahama in particular, have not been able to conceal their disdain for the destiny changing Free SHS policy since it is believed to have contributed to his historic defeat in the 2016 and 2020 general elections.

"Perhaps, it is because the more people get educated, the more they do away with the NDC, adding that "For us in the NPP and just as several fellow Ghanaians, we are not surprised and would normally ignore such reckless attacks on the millions of students, SHS teachers and parents".

He said the recent attacks on the credibility of the WASSCE results and the intelligence of the students as well as the efforts of their teachers and parents by the NDC and John Mahama cannot be ignored.

According to him, the failed former president, the recent WASSCE results released by WAEC were good because teachers connived with students to cheat in the examination.

" While this statement by the former president has reputational damage to our education globally, the blatant disrespect meted by the former president, who should know better, to the students, teachers and parents who sacrificed and contributed to the outstanding performance of the students must be condemned in no uncertain terms".

He was of the view that " it is worthy to note that ever since the former president made this unfortunate comment, various organizations including the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) and parents have condemned him and asked him to provide evidence to his claims, which he has failed to do (as obviously there is no evidence to that effect)".

"For the purposes of context, allegations of examination malpractices are not new. What happens is that every year, WAEC institutes measures to curb malpractices and expose people who plan to cheat in such examinations for prosecution. For instance, in April 2016 under the watch of the former president, WASSCE papers leaked on various social media platforms before the examinations were taken but the papers were not cancelled neither was the examination rescheduled" he added.

He continues, "Yet the WASSCE results WAEC published in that year were considered to be good by the former president. In response to the consistent leakage of both BECE and WASSCE examination papers, this is what the former president said during his era ‘The Council [WAEC] is an independent international body and so government cannot interfere in its operational affairs. But the government wishes to call on the West African Exams Council to put its house in order. It is most discouraging when students have prepared assiduously for three solid years only to be confronted with incidences of exam leakages”.

He said "Across the world today, many more young Ghanaians are lifting the flag of Ghana high and doing amazing things academically. The least one can do in this situation is to appreciate the efforts and sacrifices of these students, their teachers and parents, if not commend government for its effort in providing the necessary conditions and resources for teaching and learning to happen".

"A total disrespect from no other person than a former president should not be countenanced. If he cannot appreciate the consistent efforts of students and teachers from schools like Keta SHS, St. James Seminary, Prempeh, College, PRESECLegon, Methodist Girls, Wesley Girls’ SHS, he should not insult their intelligence and sacrifices" he concluded.