Government has announced a significant revision to its no-fee stress policy, stating that first-year university students who have already paid their fees will no longer receive direct refunds as initially promised.
During the 2024 election campaign, then-presidential candidate John Mahama pledged to absorb fees for all Level 100 students within the first 120 days of assuming office.
This commitment was reaffirmed by Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu during his vetting, where he assured that refunds would be issued to students who had already paid for the 2025 academic year.
“We intend to provide that money to the affected universities, at least to make refunds to all those who have already paid those fees”.
However, despite the allocation of GHS499.8 million for the policy’s implementation, the government has now ruled out issuing cash reimbursements for this academic year.
Speaking in interview, Deputy Education Minister Dr. Clement Apaak explained that instead of direct refunds, students’ accounts will be credited towards their second-year fees.
“The same students are going to be continuing. Rather than the physical reimbursement, going forward, as they go into their second year, what should have come to them to defer their academic fee for the first year will become a credit”.
This means that students who have already paid for their first year will not need to pay fees for their second year, as their accounts will reflect the credit.
Dr. Apaak emphasized that the funds would be disbursed directly to the universities to ensure accountability and avoid logistical challenges.
“This approach helps us avoid logistical challenges and any potential impropriety”.
