Eugene Boakye Antwi, a former Member of Parliament for the Subin Constituency, has alleged that some executives of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) engaged in corrupt practices by selling Free Senior High School (Free SHS) placements to parents.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Kwesi Parker Wilson on Oyerepa Breakfast Time, the former MP claimed that this unethical behaviour was a significant factor in the NPP’s loss in the 2024 general elections.
According to Boakye Antwi, the Free SHS program, which was one of the NPP’s flagship policies, was meant to ensure equitable access to education for all Ghanaian children. However, the actions of certain party officials betrayed this principle, eroding public trust in the NPP.
“A lot of our people didn’t vote because some NPP executives sold Free SHS placement to them.
I remember a certain woman was interviewed and she said, they took GHc12,000 from her to get a placement at Prempeh College.”
Many of these stories popped up on most of our (MPs) platforms. Even the Minister of Education said he needed evidence but there was no evidence better than the woman stating it clear on TV.”
The former Subin MP explained that the alleged sale of placements created a perception of corruption and favouritism within the party, alienating many Ghanaians who had previously supported the NPP. This malpractice, he noted, added to a series of issues that made the party appear disconnected from the concerns of ordinary citizens.
“At Assin North, the NPP treasurer was dismissed because of bribery in these Free SHS placements. He took GHc50,000 from his parents.
Similar issues also happened in Kennedy Agyapong’s constituency (Assin Central).
Party executives both at the national and regional level engaged in this act.
So many of the NPP people felt it was unnecessary to campaign and vote for the party.”
In addition to the Free SHS scandal, Boakye Antwi highlighted the lack of developmental projects in certain constituencies as another reason for voter apathy. He specifically cited the Subin Constituency, where the failure to deliver on promises such as constructing an Astroturf stadium discouraged constituents from voting.
“Subin people refused to vote because of the lack of an Astroturf,” he explained, emphasizing how unfulfilled promises damaged the party’s credibility.
The 2024 elections have sparked widespread discussions within the NPP, as members and supporters search for answers and solutions to reposition the party for a stronger political future.
Source: Oyerepafmonline.com
