Former National Democratic Congress (NDC) Central Regional Chairman, Bernard Allotey Jacobs, has voiced doubts about the “no fees stress” initiative, proposed by the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama.

The policy seeks to exempt first-year tertiary students from paying academic fees. .

In an appearance on Peace FM’s 'Kokrokoo' morning show, Allotey Jacobs labeled the promises as insincere and questioned their feasibility should Mahama return to the presidency.

"Sometimes I am even surprised that parents of beneficiaries of Free SHS are drained yet they feel uncomfortable to speak against it. I don't understand. Are they keeping quiet because of political loyalty or what? Now NDC says it will stop double and adjust the Free SHS as well as introduce a free tertiary initiative.

During the manifesto launch at the University of Professional Studies, Accra, on August 12, Mahama had highlighted the issues plaguing the Free SHS policy, such as insufficient infrastructure and funding.

However, Allotey Jacobs remained unconvinced, questioning the former president’s commitment to these proposals, which include abolishing the double-track system and providing free tertiary education.

Mahama said, “We shall decentralize the procurement of food and other supplies to the headmaster's school basis. In order to improve the quality of food and also boost the local economies in the district where the schools are located.”

He added; "We shall expand access by building more infrastructure in existing secondary schools, and we shall dedicate funding to completing the E blocks in order that more children can have the opportunity to go to school.”

Allotey Jacobs dismissed Mahama’s promises as “an afterthought, something that can only generate noise,” expressing doubts about their feasibility and sincerity.