President John Mahama has pledged to make access to high-quality education a right rather than a privilege and has planned extensive improvements in Ghana’s educational system.
Speaking to the nation’s media at Jubilee House, the President revealed that more than 120,000 first-year students at public universities had their entry costs reimbursed as part of the “No Fees Stress” policy.
He explained that the initiative was aimed at preventing brilliant but needy students from losing their admissions because they could not pay fees upfront. “It signalled a decisive break from the painful era when dreams of young Ghanaians were cut short simply because they could not afford to pay fees,” he said.
The President also confirmed that the policy was linked to the broader “Student Loan Plus” programme, which will provide flexible financing options for students in subsequent years.
As part of initiatives to improve foundational learning, he announced GH¢564.6 million for textbooks in basic education, the largest amount in over ten years.
Regarding secondary education, Mr. Mahama added that decentralized feeding arrangements will be implemented to enable schools to serve students higher-quality meals and that Free SHS had been strengthened with a record GH¢3.5 billion budget.
Additionally, he emphasized inclusive education changes and confirmed that free postsecondary education for those with impairments had begun. “Regardless of physical ability, education must be a right, not a privilege, for all Ghanaians,” he stated.
In order to foster research and innovation across disciplines and lessen an excessive dependence on foreign funds, the President also announced the establishment of a Ghana National Research Fund, with an initial allocation of GH¢50 million.
“We are investing in our future by investing in our thinkers,” he stated, adding that each public university participating in the program would receive five PhD scholarships each year.
