- NDC proposes to scrap academic fees for first-year students.
- Policy aims to address financial constraints preventing students from advancing to tertiary education.
- Estimated annual cost is less than GH¢300 million.
- Funding will come from plugging revenue loopholes.
Clement Apaak, a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Manifesto Committee on Education, has defended the party’s proposal to scrap academic fees for all first-year students. The proposal was announced by the NDC flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, during the NDC youth manifesto launch in Accra on Monday, August 12.
Apaak explained that the policy aims to address the financial constraints that prevent many students from advancing to tertiary education. He noted that the gap between the number of WASSCE graduates and those who proceed to university is often due to financial difficulties.
The Builsa South lawmaker argued that waiving fees for first-year students would help bridge this gap and support struggling students. Apaak revealed that the idea to scrap fees for first-year students came from engagements with youth groups.
He cited data from Africa Education Watch, which estimates that less than 200,000 students took up places in tertiary institutions in the 2023/2024 academic year. Using this data, Apaak estimated that the policy would cost less than GH¢300 million annually.
He emphasized that student numbers fluctuate each year, making the policy feasible. Apaak concluded that by plugging revenue loopholes, the government can mobilize resources to fund this proposal and support students in need.
