It Is Illegal To Close Down Schools For Your Parochial Political Gains – Yaw Ansah Rebukes Dr. Gideon Boako

Yaw Ansah, the NDC constituency secretary for Tano North, has made serious allegations against the NPP Parliamentary Candidate for Tano North, Dr. Gideon Boako, and the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Ernest Kwarteng. According to Ansah, the duo is exploiting their political influence to shut down schools in various communities across the municipality for partisan political activities.

In a statement, Yaw Ansah accused Dr. Boako and Mr. Kwarteng of deliberately closing schools in communities they visit to campaign. He claimed that students are being mobilized to carry NPP paraphernalia and cheer on political activities, depriving them of their education. “This has been their strategy across the municipality,” Ansah alleged, adding that such actions prioritize political interests over the educational needs and rights of the students.

The allegations, if true, have serious implications for the education system in Tano North. School closures disrupt learning, particularly for students preparing for exams, and undermine efforts to improve academic performance in the area. Using children for political campaigns also raises ethical concerns, as it not only distracts them from their studies but also violates their rights to a non-partisan educational environment.

Moreover, these actions could set a dangerous precedent for political interference in public institutions, eroding trust in the impartiality of education governance.

Yaw Ansah’s allegations have sparked widespread debate in the municipality, with many questioning the role of the MCE in supporting partisan activities instead of focusing on his mandate to promote development. Critics argue that such actions reflect poorly on the government’s commitment to prioritizing education.

The NPP, however, has yet to respond to these accusations. Supporters of Dr. Boako and Mr. Kwarteng might argue that such allegations are politically motivated, given the proximity of the 2024 general elections.

Yaw Ansah asserted that, stakeholders in education, including the Ghana Education Service (GES), parents, and civil society organizations, must urgently investigate these allegations. If found to be true, it is imperative that sanctions are imposed to prevent further exploitation of students and safeguard the integrity of the education system.

Beyond this specific case, the incident highlights the need for reforms to ensure that schools remain apolitical spaces focused on learning. Political activities must be kept separate from educational institutions to protect the rights and futures of students.

As Ghana approaches another election year, political parties and their representatives must be reminded of their responsibilities to uphold ethical standards and prioritize the welfare of their constituents, particularly the youth. The allegations in Tano North, whether proven or not, serve as a cautionary tale against the dangers of putting political interests above public good.

This situation demands the attention of all stakeholders to ensure education is not sacrificed for political expediency.