He said 'Free SHS' has become the default answer to every challenge that is presented to the Akufo-Addo led New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.

On the final day of his Western Regional campaign tour, the former President told NDC delegates in Ellembele: “Today if you say you are hungry, they say we have given you free SHS; if drivers say they are unable to afford fuel, they say we have given you free SHS so keep quiet".

"Farmers who complain they cannot purchase fertiliser for their cocoa, they say keep quiet we have given you free SHS…if you complain of anything they say we have given you free SHS”, he disclosed."

Mr. Mahama is seeking to lead the NDC again into the 2020 general elections, however, he faces stiff opposition from five other candidates for the flagbearership slot.

Touching on his plans should he be voted back into power in 2021, former President Mahama said, "I will abolish the double-track traffic light when I come back in 2021 and ensure that all our wards attend school at the same time”.

He claims the 'Free SHS' policy has become an albatross on the necks of the NPP government and their 'shambolic' way of handling the programme shows their incompetence.

“It is written that man shall not live by bread alone…there is the need to prioritize so that government will not shirk its responsibilities hiding under free SHS”, he added.