Executive Director of Africa Education Watch, Kofi Asare, has questioned the Mahama administration’s decision to extend its “No-Fee-Stress” tertiary education policy to students who enrolled before the government assumed office in January 2025, describing it as an avoidable financial burden.
Speaking on Channel One TV on Wednesday, May 7, during a review of President Mahama’s 120-day performance, Mr. Asare argued that the refund commitment to the pre-Mahama administration cohort lacked fiscal prudence, especially in light of budget constraints within the education sector.
“Ordinarily, this promise should have been measured against September 2025, because the first batch of tertiary students who would have enrolled under the NDC government would have done so this year. But somehow, the government decides that even though a batch had entered before we were sworn in, we’re going to refund their monies to them. I thought it wasn’t useful, because the policy is costing about GH₵500 million per batch, ” he said.
Mr. Asare noted that while portals for processing refunds have been launched — with 8,000 students already applying — no actual disbursements have taken place as of Wednesday morning.
He further warned that the decision could tighten the already limited fiscal space within the education sector, potentially affecting funding for other key areas.
President Mahama is expected to address the nation on his social contract with Ghanaians in a special broadcast, marking the end of his first 120 days in office.
Read also…..
Mahama’s macroeconomic stability boosting business confidence – Michael Kottoh