NDC’s Proposal to Scrap Academic Fees for First-Year Students May Cost GH¢300 Million Annually – Clement Apaak

Clement Apaak, a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Manifesto Committee on Education, has defended the party’s proposal to eliminate academic fees for all first-year students in tertiary institutions. The policy, announced by NDC flagbearer John Dramani Mahama during the party’s youth manifesto launch on August 12, 2024, aims to support students struggling with financial challenges.

In an interview on the Citi Breakfast Show on August 13, Apaak explained that financial constraints often prevent many WASSCE graduates from advancing to tertiary education. He emphasized that the proposed policy seeks to bridge this gap if the NDC wins the upcoming general elections.

Apaak provided estimates to support the feasibility of the policy, noting that the academic fees for first-year students typically range between GH¢2,000 and GH¢2,300. Based on recent enrollment figures, which are less than 200,000 students for the 2023/2024 academic year, he estimated the total annual cost of the policy at approximately GH¢300 million. He expressed confidence that the necessary funds could be mobilized by addressing revenue loopholes.

This proposal reflects the NDC’s commitment to improving access to higher education in Ghana, particularly for students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.