Deputy Education Minister John Ntim Fordjour has expressed disapproval of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer John Mahama’s proposal for free first-year tuition at public universities.
The Minister stated that the individual who counseled Mr. Mahama on this policy had significantly harmed his campaign. During an interview on the Asempa FM Ekosii Sen program on Tuesday, the Assin North Member of Parliament (MP) raised concerns regarding the practicality of the initiative and the plans for its sustainability.
This policy is not a conclusive solution to removing the barrier to access to education. It may be a cushion but will not completely solve the problem of students and parents. How do they continue after the one year?.
At the unveiling of the NDC Youth Manifesto, the former President pledged that first-year students in tertiary education would be exempt from paying academic fees.
He stated that the initiative is a component of a governmental effort aimed at alleviating the financial burden on parents regarding their children’s educational expenses.
However, the legislator has voiced concerns regarding the initiative’s seamless and effective execution, given that Mahama has historically opposed the Free SHS policy and has been critical of it.
Mr Mahama has conceded that who brought the Free SHS must be commended. He was the person who criticised free SHS as unintelligent because it catered for everyone so how then do they want to pay fees for all?.
This should have been a superior policy that addresses the fundamental criticisms he raised about the free SHS.
