Education Minister-designate Haruna Iddrisu has announced that first-year public tertiary students will have their admission fees refunded. He stated that this initiative is part of President John Mahama’s plan to make higher education more accessible. During his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, the Tamale South MP revealed that the government has allocated GH¢345 million to cover the admission fees for students enrolled in general subject areas at tertiary institutions, excluding professional programs such as medicine.
“On the authority of President Mahama, and with the approval of the Minister of Finance-designate, Hon. Ato Forson, this provision will be included in the government’s Reset Budget. The funds will ensure that students undertaking courses in the general subject areas have their admission fees refunded,” Haruna Iddrisu said.
The Minister-designate assured that students who have already paid their admission fees will not be excluded. He stated, “For President Mahama, this is a model to experiment with. We will assess how it works for our country. If expansion is feasible, then he will consider it. He has never said that those who are able should not participate.” This policy fulfills the National Democratic Congress (NDC) manifesto promise made during the 2024 election campaign. It is part of a broader set of reforms aimed at making tertiary education more accessible, especially for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
By: Kenneth Awotwe Darko
