John Mahama Archives - Ghana Education News

Profile of John Mahama: Biography, Early Life, Net Worth, Wife

January 7, 2025January 7, 2025 by Wisdom Hammond

John Dramani Mahama is a Ghanaian politician who operated as President of Ghana under the Fourth Republic. This article speaks about John Mahama’s biography, early life, and other aspects of his life. Mahama has been described as the supreme leader of Ghana following the December 2024 electoral victory and the 183 members of parliament his … Read more

John Mahama Lists Plans for Education Sector When he is Voted for

April 22, 2024 by Mr. No-Body

National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama has outlined the plans he will undertake for the Education sector if voted as President come December 2024.

Mr. Mahama after meeting with the representatives of various Teacher Unions at the head office of the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) in Accra made a public statement where he listed his plans for the Education sector.

John Mahama Lists Plans for Education When he is Voted for

Here are some things John Mahama stated that he said during the meeting:

1. I emphasized the importance of conducting an educational reform in my first 100 days in office and the integral role of teachers in national policy reforms.

2. My administration will focus on adopting ‘first language’ as a medium of instruction from KG to Basic 3 and training more teachers in major local languages to facilitate teaching and learning at the basic levels.

3. To encourage reading at the basic level, we plan to build more libraries and resume providing reading and textbooks for all basic schools.

4. Timely disbursement of the capitation grant to education directorates and schools will be a priority, as well as removing the capping and collateralization of the GETFUND and resuming the free sanitary pad distribution policy.

5. I will prioritize the revival of abandoned TVET and E-blocks in our education infrastructure drive to decongest schools and improve the quality of education.

6. We also plan to review and improve the implementation of the Free SHS policy, resolve its associated challenges, and mainstream TVET and STEM in all secondary schools.

‘These are just a few highlights from the productive dialog we had. I look forward to further collaboration with teacher unions and other stakeholders to develop effective policies for the education sector.

READ: KNUST Pro Vice-Chancellor makes donation of $10,000 To GReF

Together, we can build a better and more inclusive education system for our children and the future of our nation. Thank you to all the teacher unions who participated and shared their valuable insights.”

I’ll prioritise revival of abandoned TVET and E-blocks – Mahama

April 22, 2024 by Mr. No-Body

I’ll prioritise revival of abandoned TVET and E-blocks – Mahama

John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), recently engaged with teacher union representatives at the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) headquarters in Accra.

During this meeting, he shared his comprehensive vision for advancing Ghana’s education sector.

Mr. Mahama, in a session held on Saturday, April 20, emphasized his commitment to executing educational reforms within the first 100 days of his potential administration, should he be elected.

Key to these reforms would be the adoption of the mother tongue as the medium of instruction from kindergarten through Basic 3, along with enhancing teacher training in predominant local languages to boost early education.

Further, he pledged to improve access to reading materials by constructing more libraries and ensuring the consistent provision of textbooks and reading materials across all basic schools.

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Addressing the financial aspects, Mahama promised prompt distribution of the capitation grant and spoke against the capping and collateralisation of the GETFund, alongside reinstating the free sanitary pad distribution to promote girls’ education.

Highlighting his focus on infrastructure, Mahama declared his intention to revive the neglected Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and E-block projects.

This initiative aims to alleviate school overcrowding and elevate the standard of education.

In addition to refining the Free SHS policy, his administration would seek to address its challenges and incorporate TVET and STEM more comprehensively across secondary schools.

Concluding his remarks, Mahama expressed his eagerness to maintain an ongoing dialogue with teacher unions and other stakeholders to craft impactful educational policies.

“Together, we can create a more inclusive and superior education system for our children and our nation’s future,” he affirmed, appreciating the contributions and insights from all participating teacher unions.

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John Mahama Meets Teacher Unions

April 21, 2024 by Ghana Education News Editorial Team

financial support to first-year students

NDC presidential candidate, John Mahama, has plans to resolve issues of teachers as he meets the various teacher unions in Ghana at the NAGRAT Headquarters in Accra. The meeting served as a platform for discussing key educational reforms and finalizing the party’s manifesto ahead of the upcoming elections. The meeting was held on Sunday, 21st … Read more

Number Of Schools Under Trees Eliminated By Mills/ Mahama Administration

April 7, 2024 by Rexford Dede Baah-Nyarkoh

The National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi, has revealed the total number of schools under trees that were eliminated by the Mills/ Mahama administration.

According to him, during the tenure of the Mills/ Mahama National Democratic Congress (NDC) governments, significant strides were made in eradicating the issue of schools operating under inadequate conditions, particularly those conducted under trees. The elimination of these schools was a priority, with a concerted effort to improve educational infrastructure across Ghana.

1. Under the initial term of the NDC government, approximately 1,700 schools conducted under trees were successfully eradicated. This information was initially disclosed to the media in November 2012 by the then Deputy Minister for Information, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, relying on data from the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFUND). These figures pertained to schools under trees eradicated between the years 2009 and 2013.

2. President Mahama reiterated this fact during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) presented to Parliament on January 4, 2013. He highlighted that 40% of the approximately 4,000 schools under trees reported at the time had been eliminated.

3. Subsequently, the NDC/Mahama administration embarked on a mission to eliminate the remaining 60% of schools under trees. By 2016, as documented in the Green Book for the Education sector published by the NDC, 2,031 of the remaining 60% had been eliminated. This information is detailed on page 66 of the NDC’s Green Book titled: “FOUR YEARS OF EQUITABLE ACCESS TO QUALITY EDUCATION (2013-2016).”

4. The figures presented in the 2016 budget statement and the accompanying Green Book were indicative of the total number of schools under trees eradicated during the NDC’s second term in office, spanning from 2013 to 2016.

5. Consequently, it is incontrovertible that a cumulative total of over 3,000 schools under trees were eliminated during the tenure of the NDC government from 2009 to 2016. To suggest that only more than 2,000 schools under trees were eradicated by the NDC during this period is a conservative estimate and does not contradict the comprehensive efforts undertaken. It is essential that our counterparts in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) acknowledge these achievements rather than disputing them.

NDC Officially Names Jane Naana As John Mahama’s Running Mate

March 7, 2024March 7, 2024 by Rexford Dede Baah-Nyarkoh

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has proudly announced the appointment of Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as John Mahama’s running mate for the upcoming 2024 presidential elections.

Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang is celebrated as a distinguished academic and leader, renowned for her unwavering dedication to education and public service. With an illustrious career that includes serving as Minister for Education and becoming the first female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, she has emerged as a trailblazer for women in leadership roles throughout Ghana.

Her selection underscores the NDC’s steadfast commitment to fostering inclusivity, embracing diversity, and promoting the empowerment of women in positions of leadership. Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang’s extensive qualifications and experience bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the NDC’s presidential ticket.

Expressing his confidence in his running mate, John Mahama stated, “I am proud to have Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as my running mate. Her integrity, dedication, and visionary leadership make her the ideal candidate to join me in steering our party towards victory in the upcoming elections.”

The NDC leadership is thrilled to present such a formidable team to lead the party’s ticket. With John Mahama and Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang at the helm, the NDC is poised to introduce a bold and progressive vision for the future of Ghana, promising a brighter tomorrow for all citizens.

Below is the full statement from NDC

“The National Democratic Congress (NDC) proudly announces the selection of Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as the Running Mate to the party’s flag bearer, John Dramani Mahama, for the 2024 presidential elections.

Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang is a distinguished academic and leader renowned for her dedication to education and public service. Having served as Minister for Education and as the first female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, she has emerged as a trailblazer for women in leadership across Ghana.

Her nomination underscores the NDC’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and the empowerment of women in leadership roles. Possessing extensive qualifications and experience,

Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the NDC’s presidential ticket.

John Mahama, expressing confidence in his running mate, stated, “I am proud to have Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as my running mate. Her integrity, dedication, and vision for a better Ghana make her the ideal candidate to join me in leading our party to victory in the upcoming elections.”

We Will Include Private Schools In Free SHS Programme – John Mahama

March 5, 2024 by Rexford Dede Baah-Nyarkoh

Ghana's First Supreme Leader John Mahama John Mahama Names Running Mate Today

John Dramani Mahama has promised to include private schools in Ghana in the Free SHS Programme when the NDC wins the 2024 election.

In a recent address to members of the Ghana National Association of Private Schools (GNAPS) in Accra, the flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, articulated his commitment to incorporating private secondary schools into the free senior high school (SHS) programme if his party emerges victorious in the upcoming December election.

Mahama underscored the significance of private schools, citing their possession of requisite infrastructure and human resources to bolster the free SHS initiative. He emphasized the necessity of leveraging their capabilities in advancing the education sector.

Drawing attention to a recent report by Edu-Watch, a civil society organization, Mahama highlighted the substantial financial burden shouldered by parents and the government in secondary education. Despite the implementation of the free SHS programme, parents continue to bear approximately 77 per cent of the educational costs.

At the launch event of the 2024 annual week celebration of GNAPS, themed “The 2024 Elections, GNAPS Manifesto,” Mahama emphasized the importance of fostering collaboration between private schools and the government to ensure the provision of quality education across the country.

Acknowledging the pivotal role played by private schools in educational innovation, Mahama commended their introduction of progressive teaching methodologies, such as the Montessori curriculum. Additionally, he noted their effectiveness in catering to special needs students, attributing this success to favorable teacher-to-pupil ratios.

Looking ahead, Mahama pledged that an NDC government would prioritize education, convening all stakeholders to review and enhance the education structure from the primary to the tertiary level. He affirmed plans to significantly invest in basic education starting from 2025, with a focus on laying a solid foundation for pupils.

In response, Prof. Damasus Tuurosong, President of GNAPS, appealed to the government to absorb registration fees for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and the West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for private school students. He urged for the inclusion of private schools in the free SHS programme and advocated for a review of regulatory charges imposed by education regulatory bodies.

Furthermore, Dr. Asi Aisha Akrofi, Chairperson of the Greater Accra Region Chapter of GNAPS, emphasized the necessity for collective advocacy among members to influence favorable government policies supporting the establishment and operation of private schools in Ghana.

As private schools seek greater recognition and support within the education sector, Mahama’s promises signal a potential paradigm shift towards inclusivity and collaboration in advancing educational accessibility and quality across the nation.

Why Prof Naana Opoku-Agyemang ticks all the right boxes as NDC’s 2024 running mate

February 29, 2024 by Mr. No-Body

Here, I will share with you a blog post on why Prof. Naana Opoku-Agyemang ticks all the right boxes as NDC’s 2024 running mate.

In the swirling political currents of Ghana, the choice of a running mate is not merely a strategic maneuver; it’s a profound statement of intent and vision by a presidential candidate. When John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and former President of Ghana, unveiled Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as his running mate for the 2020 elections, it was a moment of historic significance. This decision not only spotlighted Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s sterling credentials but also underscored a commitment to gender inclusivity and intellectual prowess in Ghana’s political landscape.

Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings, the founding father of the NDC, upon meeting Prof. Opoku-Agyemang alongside Mahama, remarked on her integrity as the cornerstone of her selection. This endorsement from Rawlings was not just a nod of approval but a testament to her standing and reputation within the political and academic spheres of Ghana. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s background as the first female Vice-Chancellor of a public university in Ghana and her tenure as Minister of Education had already set her apart as a trailblazer. Her influence in the Central Region, evidenced by a significant uptick in NDC’s vote tally during the 2020 elections, speaks volumes about her political and social capital.

The choice of Prof. Opoku-Agyemang resonated well beyond the Central Region, garnering approval from a broad spectrum of the Ghanaian electorate. Polls conducted in the run-up to the 2020 elections reflected a widespread appreciation for her candidacy, with a substantial majority recognizing the value she brought to the NDC ticket. Her appeal was not limited to partisan lines; floating voters and various age demographics found her choice both refreshing and inspiring.

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John Mahama’s confidence in Prof. Opoku-Agyemang was palpable. He lauded her “overwhelming impressive qualities and confidence,” portraying their partnership as not only a winning combination but as a vehicle for credible and competent governance. Mahama highlighted her achievements, particularly in the educational sector, as indicative of her capability and vision for transformative leadership.

As Ghana inches closer to another electoral cycle, the echoes of the Mahama-Opoku-Agyemang ticket’s impact linger. The strategic and symbolic significance of Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s candidacy has set a precedent for the role of women in Ghanaian politics and has challenged the political status quo. Her profile—a blend of academic excellence, administrative acumen, and a commitment to social justice—continues to inspire and challenge the narrative around leadership in Africa.

In light of this, it’s clear why there’s a clamor for continuity in the Mahama-Opoku-Agyemang ticket for the 2024 elections. Their partnership is not just about electoral politics; it’s about the message it sends to the Ghanaian people and the world about Ghana’s commitment to progressive, inclusive, and transformative leadership. As Ghana prepares for the next electoral showdown, the legacy and the prospect of the Mahama-Opoku-Agyemang ticket remain a beacon of hope and a blueprint for future political alignments in Ghana and beyond.

This story was first published on Thursday, June 1, 2023

SOURCE: Ghanaweb – Henry Osei Akoto

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Mahama To Name 2024 Running Mate On Thursday March 7

March 3, 2024February 27, 2024 by Rexford Dede Baah-Nyarkoh

John Mahama Names Running Mate On Thursday March 07, 2024

The NDC has scheduled a meeting for Thursday, March 7, 2024, to select and name the running mate for John Dramani Mahama.

This decision follows Mahama’s formal submission, in accordance with Article 45 of the NDC Constitution.

In an official statement released on Tuesday, February 27, by Fifi Fiavi Kwettey, the party’s General Secretary, it was revealed that the National Executive Committee would convene following consultations with the Council of Elders.

According to Kwettey, “The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has today received a formal communication from our Presidential Candidate, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, regarding the nomination of his running mate in accordance with Article 45 of the NDC Constitution.”

“The party is pleased to announce that a meeting of the Council of Elders will convene at 11:00 hrs on Thursday, March 07, 2024, to deliberate on this significant matter. Subsequently, the National Executive Committee will gather at 14:00 hrs on the same day to further consider the nomination,” Kwettey added.

The venue and logistical details for these meetings will be communicated directly to all participants in due course. The NDC expressed confidence that the Running Mate would bring a wealth of experience, expertise, and dedication to their campaign, complementing the vision of John Dramani Mahama in “Building the Ghana We Want together.”

The party emphasized its commitment to positive transformation and progress for Ghana and thanked supporters for their unwavering commitment. The NDC called for unity in achieving a brighter future for the nation.

The former president is seeking re-election in the 2024 elections. Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang was Mr. Mahama’s running mate in the 2016 and 2020 general elections, respectively.

Aside from Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang, who is the favourite to be selected as the running mate;

Julius Debrah, a former chief of staff in the erstwhile John Mahama government from January 2013 to January 2017, is also a strong potential candidate of choice for the NDC ticket. He hails from the Eastern Region and he was said to be top of the list.

Also, Kwame Awuah-Darko is a politician, entrepreneur, and banker, the third son of the late Nana Awuah-Darko Ampem I, who reigned as Nkosuohene of the Asante Juaben Traditional Area in the Ashanti Region. He was the strongest potential vice-presidential candidate for the NDC from the Ashanti Region

Mahama ‘s 24-hour Economy is Empty – Barker-Vormawor

February 27, 2024 by Mr. No-Body

’24-hour Economy’ is Empty – Barker-Vormawor, former frontliner of the Fix The Country Movement gives opines. The concept of a 24-hour economy has recently become a topic of intense debate in Ghana, following the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and its flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, proposing it as a policy to revitalize the nation’s economic landscape. The idea, at its core, seeks to transform Ghana into a bustling, round-the-clock economy, theoretically opening up a plethora of opportunities for businesses and employment. However, not everyone is sold on the viability of this proposition.

Oliver Barker-Vormawor, a vocal critic and former leader of the #FixTheCountry Movement, has cast a shadow of doubt over the 24-hour economy policy. Labeling it as mere “sloganeering,” Barker-Vormawor’s skepticism echoes the concerns of many who find the proposal to be lacking in substance. His critique, shared on the social media platform X, dismisses the 24-hour economy as an “empty” promise, a sentiment that resonates with those wary of political promises that often go unfulfilled.

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The pushback against the NDC’s proposal isn’t just about the feasibility of a 24-hour economy in Ghana; it’s also a reflection of broader disillusionment with political promises that seem disconnected from the country’s on-the-ground realities. Barker-Vormawor ‘s use of the term “Fanfooling” – a local slang implying deceit – underscores the growing frustration among the populace towards what is perceived as political grandstanding without actionable plans.

On the other side of the political aisle, John Dramani Mahama has defended the 24-hour economy policy as a game-changer for Ghana, accusing the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) of resorting to misinformation to discredit the initiative. Mahama’s stance portrays the policy as a catalyst for economic transformation, one that has purportedly unsettled the NPP, leading to a campaign of lies and propaganda against it.

The debate over the 24-hour economy policy highlights a crucial aspect of Ghana’s political discourse: the gap between ambitious policy proposals and the practical challenges of implementation. Ghana, like many countries, grapples with issues such as infrastructure deficits, power supply inconsistencies, and security concerns, all of which are critical to the viability of a 24-hour economy. Without addressing these foundational issues, the promise of a non-stop economy risks remaining an elusive dream.

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In essence, the controversy surrounding the 24-hour economy proposal underscores a broader need for political leaders to bridge the gap between visionary policies and their practical execution. As Ghana navigates its path towards economic modernization, the success of such ambitious proposals will depend not on their rhetorical appeal but on their ability to withstand the rigors of real-world challenges.

The 24-hour Economy debate stirred by Barker-Vormawor ‘s critique serves as a reminder of the importance of scrutinizing political promises, ensuring that they are not just empty slogans but actionable plans that can truly transform the economic landscape of Ghana.

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