The Mahama-led administration’s promise to provide free first-year tertiary education has sparked significant traction and controversy, particularly given the challenges associated with the implementation of the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy by the previous Akufo-Addo-led NPP government.
While proponents argue that this policy could increase enrolment at the tertiary level and provide financial relief to parents and students, others remain sceptical. They question the feasibility of financing such a programme amidst Ghana’s current economic challenges, fearing it may face issues similar to, or even worse than, those encountered with the Free SHS policy. Despite these concerns, the NDC insists it can generate the necessary resources to fulfil this promise.
The Promise and Its Context
During the NDC’s 2024 campaign, the party pledged to pay academic fees for first-year tertiary students (Page 97 chapter 5 paragraph 5 of the tertiary education financing support of the manifesto), while also committing to review and enhance the Free SHS policy introduced by the NPP government.
This promise inspired hope and played a significant role in the NDC’s electoral victory.
Shortly after assuming office, the Education Minister-Designate, Haruna Iddrisu, reiterated the government’s commitment to fulfilling its educational promises. He announced plans to refund admission fees for first-year tertiary students who have already enrolled, estimating that GHS 345 million would be required to implement the promise.
However, the minister’s comment that medical students would be exempted from the initiative has drawn criticism, with the president of the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA) describing the move as discriminatory.
Concerns About Feasibility
The GHS 345 million budget figure has raised questions. For instance, a review of academic fees for first-year students at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) indicates an average cost of GHS 3,000 per student. With over 40 tertiary institutions across Ghana and thousands of first-year students, many doubt whether the allocated funds will be sufficient.
Why Ghanaians Are Concerned
The scepticism surrounding this initiative stems from the challenges faced by the Free SHS policy.
– Infrastructure Deficits: The Free SHS program led to overcrowding, necessitating the introduction of the double-track system.
– Insufficient Resources: Issues such as inadequate food, teaching materials, and funding plagued the policy.
– Sustainability Questions: Critics often questioned the government’s ability to sustain the programme in the long term.
The NDC’s pledge to review and improve the Free SHS programme alongside implementing free first-year tertiary education raises questions about the government’s financial capacity to deliver on both fronts.
Public Reaction
Some first-year students at KNUST have expressed excitement about the initiative, highlighting how it could relieve significant financial burdens. However, they suggest that the policy should target students from less-privileged backgrounds rather than making it free for all, to ensure effective implementation and sustainability.
They have also expressed that the government focuses on first-year students yet to enrol in tertiary institutions instead of refunding the fees of those who are already in school as indicated by the minister of education designate.
Conclusion
The Mahama-led administration faces the daunting task of balancing its ambitious educational promises with the nation’s economic realities. While the initiative is commendable, its success will largely depend on prudent planning, transparent execution, and sustainable funding mechanisms. Ghanaians will be watching closely to see how the government navigates these challenges to deliver on its promise.
