Economist at the University of Ghana Suggests Increase in Public University Fees – See Who

Dr. Kojo Poku, a development economist affiliated with the Centre for Social Policy at the University of Ghana, has advocated for a reconsideration of student fees in public universities. Poku highlighted that augmenting these fees could significantly aid in fortifying the financial stability of these institutions while simultaneously reducing the strain on the government’s expenditure towards university staff wages.

In a conversation with Benjamin Offei-Addo on the Asaase Breakfast Show, Dr. Poku emphasized the necessity of initiating a national dialogue concerning this proposition. He underscored the current situation where students pay GHC1,700 per academic year, equivalent to around US$150, for their education—a sum he believes could be slightly increased to support university funding.

Dr. Poku emphasized the potential benefits of such a fee adjustment, explaining that by supplementing the government’s subventions to universities, it could allow for greater flexibility in managing their finances. Additionally, he pointed out that with over 30 public universities in the country, this move could contribute to mitigating conflicts such as those between UTAG (University Teachers Association of Ghana) and the government, by providing additional financial resources to support university staff wages.

The economist stressed the importance of transcending political biases in considering this proposal, urging all parties involved to acknowledge the global norm of higher fees contributing to funding educational institutions.

Source: Asaase Radio