The Chiefs and people of Sene in the Bono East Region have expressed immense appreciation to the New Patriotic Party (NPP), under the leadership of President Akufo-Addo, for the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) social intervention programme.

Welcoming Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to Kajaji in the Sene East Constituency on Monday at the start of his campaign tour of the Bono East Region, Nana Kwame Edeabe Ntosour, the Benkumhene of the Traditional Area, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, praised President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Bawumia for establishing the Free SHS policy, which he said has been impactful and has significantly benefited the poor.

"Everywhere in Ghana, many people admit that you and President Nana Akufo-Addo have done so well by spreading development," the chief said.

"You have done well with so many projects. Road construction works and many others are ongoing, and recently, you brought machines to further fix roads in our communities. These machines will help a lot to improve the roads in the villages and link them to our town roads. We are really grateful."

"In addition to this, you have brought Free SHS to us and the nation. For poor communities like ours, where would we be without Free SHS? Now, one would need close to 4,000 to 5,000 cedis to send a child to senior high school. Where would we have found the money?"

"By the grace of God, you have made it free for everyone, so all that a parent needs now is transportation money for the child to go to school, because everything else is free."

The chief expressed optimism that Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia will be elected President of Ghana to continue the good works of the NPP and his own initiatives. He, therefore, appealed to Dr. Bawumia to prioritize their ongoing development projects when he is sworn in as President in January.

"What we want to appeal to you is that whatever projects are left, you should prioritize them for us. You are the Vice President, and we know you'll be the President to continue what you're doing, which is why we are appealing to you."

"One of these projects we are very keen on is the Agenda 111 project, which we want you to complete for us."

Addressing the Chiefs, Vice President Bawumia said the Free Senior High School policy was introduced to help less privileged families and communities have equal access to education, which in turn helps to develop the country.

He added that the impact of Free SHS has been enormous, with over 5 million young Ghanaians benefiting from it over the past seven years.

"This is what former President Mahama and the NDC said was not possible and vehemently opposed. If we had listened to Mahama and the NDC, these over 5 million young Ghanaians and their families would not have benefited," Dr. Bawumia said.

The Vice President assured the Chiefs that as President, he would further strengthen the Free SHS policy to ensure that it continues to improve and benefit all Ghanaians.