First-year university students in Ghana who have already paid their tuition fees will receive full refunds, according to Education Minister-designate Haruna Iddrisu. Iddrisu made the announcement during his vetting before Parliament's Appointments Committee on January 20, 2025. The announcement comes as universities have begun the admission process, preceding the official launch of the government's free tuition policy.
The government has allocated GH¢345 million to cover admission fees for students enrolled in general subject areas. Professional programs, such as medicine, are excluded from this initial phase. Iddrisu stated that this funding, approved by President Mahama and Finance Minister-designate Ato Forson, will be incorporated into the government's upcoming "Reset Budget."
While this initiative focuses on refunding first-year students, Iddrisu indicated that the government views this as a pilot program. The Mahama administration plans to assess the policy's effectiveness and consider potential expansion in the future. President Mahama initially pledged tuition-free education for first-year students in his party's youth manifesto before the 2024 elections, aiming to improve access to higher education for students from less privileged backgrounds.
The policy has sparked debate, with some questioning its long-term sustainability and demanding clarification on its funding source. However, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) maintains that thorough research and analysis underpin the program's design, ensuring its smooth implementation. The refund initiative represents a significant step towards fulfilling President Mahama's promise and addressing concerns about affordability in higher education. The success of this pilot program will likely shape the future of higher education funding in Ghana.
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