The historic “No Fees Stress” program, which aims to remove financial barriers that keep many Ghanaian students from pursuing higher education, was formally introduced by President John Dramani Mahama in Koforidua.
In front of a group of students, lawmakers, education officials, and development partners, President Mahama referred to the policy as a “bold, equity-driven intervention” that would guarantee that no Ghanaian child would be turned away from a public university because they couldn’t afford the tuition.
“This policy is more than a budgetary item; it is a moral, constitutional, and developmental imperative,” the President declared.
For first-year students admitted to public universities, technical universities, colleges of education, and nursing training institutions nationwide, the government will cover all academic-related fees starting this academic year under the No Fees Stress policy.
According to President Mahama, “behind every unpaid fee is a dream deferred,” and the action is a component of the larger RESET Agenda for equity and inclusive growth.
He referenced alarming data from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission, which showed that hundreds of eligible students drop out or postpone their studies each year due to financial difficulties.
For example, although student allowances are still about GHS 200 per month, many families cannot afford the GHS 1,362 to GHS 2,340 admission fees for nursing and education universities.
“These are not just statistics,” Mahama emphasised. “They represent real people, real stories, and real lost opportunities.”
Several specific actions are included in the No Fees Stress policy to promote educational equity and access:
Full absorption of academic-related fees for all first-year students in public tertiary institutions
“Student Loan Plus” initiative, offering simplified and expanded access for continuing students
Free tertiary education for persons with disabilities, in line with the Disability Act
Adjusted student loan amounts to reflect the actual cost of tertiary education
Reimbursement of up to GHS 2,500 for students in fee-paying programmes with no regular-track equivalent
Targeted scholarships for underserved regions and critical development disciplines
“This is not charity; it’s about fairness,” Mahama said. “We are restoring dignity to the Ghanaian student.”
He went on to explain that the program is a complementing measure that alleviates the significant financial load at the point of entrance into postsecondary education rather than a replacement for current allowances or student loans.
In addition, President Mahama cited international best practices, citing nations such as Finland, Norway, Scotland, and Germany, where free or publicly funded postsecondary education has contributed to inclusive growth, productivity gains, and inequality reduction.
“Education is not a cost to be feared but an investment to be protected,” he said, adding, “Ghana must not be left behind.”
The President took advantage of the event to mobilize people from all walks of life.
He urged the commercial sector and development partners to co-invest in Ghana’s intellectual future, educational institutions to apply the policy honestly, and students to seize the chance.
“Let us work together to raise a generation of Ghanaians who are confident, skilled, and ready to build a prosperous and united nation,” he said.
“From today, no Ghanaian child will be denied tertiary education simply because they cannot afford the academic fees,” he declared.
President Mahama said that the government’s commitment to social justice and equal opportunity is evident in the fact that academic user fees for 15,000 students have already been waived under the new policy.
President Mahama stated at the end of his speech that the policy satisfies the state’s duty under Article 38(3) of the 1992 Constitution, which requires that everyone have equal access to a university or comparable education.
“We are building a Ghana where opportunity is not inherited but created, where education is not rationed by class or cash but granted by merit and upheld by the collective will of the Republic.”
Source: newsthemegh.com