The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama, during the launch of the 2024 Youth Manifesto in Accra, pledged to abolish academic fees for first-year tertiary students if elected president in the upcoming general elections.
This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden on parents and students pursuing higher education.
“We will implement a ‘no-fees stress programme’ to reduce the financial burden on parents and students in financing tertiary education. We will implement a no academic fees policy at the university for Level 100 students,” he stated.
Additionally, the NDC plans to reform the Student Loan Trust Fund, allowing continuing students to utilize loans to cover their tuition fees directly.
This move is intended to provide students with peace of mind, enabling them to focus on their studies without financial stress.
However, less than 24 hours after this announcement, there has been a mixed reaction from the public, with many questioning the feasibility and financial implications of this policy.
