By: Kekeli K. Blamey
William Boadi, the Executive Director of Educate Africa Institute, has expressed doubts about the practicality of former President John Mahama’s pledge to eliminate academic fees for first-year university students. While recognizing the potential benefits of expanded access to higher education, Boadi raises important concerns regarding the viability of this promise and its implications for Ghana’s education system and job market.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Boadi commented on the former President’s promise, which was made during the launch of the NDC Youth Manifesto in Accra.
“Addressing the urgent need for greater access to education is vital, but it must be balanced with maintaining the quality of education and ensuring support for students beyond their first year,” he noted.
Boadi stresses the importance of a comprehensive approach that not only removes financial barriers but also ensures that high educational standards are upheld. He advocates for additional measures such as providing scholarships or financial aid to continuing students and securing sufficient funding. He also suggests updating curricula to include practical skills, forming partnerships with businesses, and improving faculty training to better prepare students for the modern workforce. Boadi emphasizes that political promises should be based on realistic and sustainable strategies that effectively address Ghana’s critical challenges.
In the same vein, Daniel Oppong Kyeremeh, President of the National Union of Ghana Students, has urged for broader consultation with educational stakeholders regarding this promise. He highlighted the importance of carefully examining the policy, particularly in terms of funding and selection criteria, to ensure that the students most in need receive support. He also suggested considering an expansion of the policy to include financially struggling continuing students.
