Lecturers and staff from public universities in the Ashanti Region have voiced their support for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) “No Academic Fees” policy for first-year students at all public tertiary institutions. They believe the initiative will provide significant opportunities for young people, especially those unable to continue their education beyond Senior High School due to financial barriers.
Professor Nathaniel Bossu, a member of the group, expressed confidence in the feasibility of the policy, comparing it to the Free SHS initiative. “If Free SHS was feasible, then free first-year university is also feasible. The funds are available; what matters is efficient use,” he stated.
Highlighting the financial struggles many families face, Professor Bossu added, “Imagine a Ghanaian worker with two children in university. This policy could create new opportunities for people who are truly struggling.”
In addition to free tuition for first-year students, the NDC aims to reintroduce the Student Loan Trust Fund Plus for continuing students to assist with fees.
The lecturers noted that of the 446,000 Free SHS graduates in 2022, only 164,000 advanced to tertiary institutions, a gap they attribute to financial challenges.
In a show of support, the university staff marched through the streets, sharing leaflets and engaging with voters to explain the NDC’s education policies. The group expressed optimism for an NDC victory in the upcoming election, convinced that the proposed reforms will benefit Ghanaian students and families.
