What is the point of the ordinary Ghanaian paying taxes when their children cannot obtain scholarships? – NDC’s Beatrice Annan

Beatrice Annan, a spokesperson for the John Dramani Mahama campaign team, has reiterated the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) commitment to regulating the Scholarship Secretariat.

She said if elected, the NDC will ensure that scholarships are awarded only to deserving candidates, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Annan emphasized that politics should not be a tool for gaining privileges, particularly when it comes to securing scholarships for one’s family.

“If I, Beatrice, want my child to obtain a scholarship, I have no business actively participating in politics,” she remarked, stressing the need for fairness and integrity in the process.

Speaking to Nana Yaa Brefo on Onua FM on November 13, she criticized the current system, alleging that individuals with political ties often receive scholarships meant for the poor and needy.

“We must understand that politics is not the easy way out to get the goodies you want,” she added. She also stated that such actions should be scrutinized and backed by law to prevent abuse.

The spokesperson pointed out the disparity in access to scholarships for ordinary Ghanaians, citing the example of children of cocoa farmers and market women who, despite their need, are often denied scholarships. In contrast, individuals with political influence.

Annan further suggested that members of the ruling government continue to secure scholarships for their children, despite the growing discontent among the general public.

“What is the point of the ordinary Ghanaian paying taxes when their children cannot obtain scholarships?” she questioned.

She emphasized that scholarships should be for the poor and needy, However, when party officials and government ministers are beneficiaries, it raises eyebrows. “It becomes news when NPP party chairmen and ministers go to the Scholarship Secretariat for scholarships, and that is despicable,” Annan asserted.

She also touched on other potential policies that the NDC would introduce if they come into power come December 7.
Explaining this she said, government employees and politicians will be restricted from purchasing government property.

Annan stressed that such laws would be implemented to ensure accountability and prevent conflicts of interest.

“We are bringing in a law that says you cannot buy government property if you work in a government capacity or are actively involved in politics,” she confirmed.

She cited Brian Acheampong, a government official with previous ambitions to purchase the Labadi Beach property after its Management announced that it was not making profit, which was met with Ghanaian backlash and opposition as an example of how these laws would be enforced.

Annan questioned whether Acheampong, who has faced challenges with his Rock City Hotel struggling to achieve 20% occupancy outside the peak seasons, would decide to sell the property if his business struggles persist.

“That is the challenge with private sector businesses,” she remarked, suggesting that government resources should not be used for personal gain by those in power.

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