Director of Educate Africa Institute, Mr. William Boadi, has expressed skepticism about former President John Dramani Mahama’s campaign promise to abolish academic fees for first-year university students, deeming it unrealistic and unfeasible.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Mr. Boadi shared his doubts about the viability of former President Mahama’s pledge to scrap tuition fees for first-year university students, a promise made during the unveiling of the NDC Youth Manifesto in Accra.
“While this promise, made by the Flagbearer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) could potentially enhance access to higher education, it raises several critical questions about its feasibility and broader impact on Ghana’s educational and employment landscape, he said “
“Addressing the pressing need for educational access is crucial, yet it must be balanced with ensuring educational quality and support systems for students beyond their first year,” he added.
Mr. Boadi emphasized that while eliminating financial obstacles can increase educational access, a holistic approach to education reform should also prioritize maintaining academic excellence, offering scholarships or financial assistance to ongoing students, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of such initiatives.
He stressed that successful implementation of this policy depends on securing sufficient funding, expanding university infrastructure, and guaranteeing sustainability without compromising the national budget or essential public services.
“Effective solutions include updating curricula to include practical and industry-relevant skills, fostering partnerships with businesses for internships, and enhancing faculty training. These measures are necessary to ensure that students are well-prepared to meet the challenges of the modern job market,” he stated.
Mr. Boadi emphasized that political pledges should be rooted in practical and sustainable solutions that tackle Ghana’s most critical challenges.
He argued that this approach would guarantee that policies not only increase access to education but also prioritize enhancing its quality, relevance, and alignment with industry needs, ultimately leading to better job prospects for graduates.
Daniel Oppong Kyeremeh, President of the National Union of Ghana Students, is urging for a more inclusive consultation with stakeholders in the education sector to carefully examine the proposed policy.
He suggests a thorough review of the funding and selection processes to ensure that the most deserving students benefit and considers expanding the initiative to support continuing students who are also facing financial difficulties.
This comes after the NDC launched its 2024 Youth Manifesto on August 12, 2024, which includes a promise by John Dramani Mahama to scrap academic fees for first-year tertiary students if he wins the election.
