President John Dramani Mahama has underscored the vital role of tertiary education in driving Ghana’s economic transformation, describing it as the engine that powers a modern, prosperous society.
Speaking at the official launch of the No Fees Stress policy in Koforidua on Friday, July 4, the President said that Ghana’s development agenda cannot be achieved without a strong foundation in higher education, which produces the professionals and innovators necessary for national progress.
“Tertiary education is not just about getting a certificate. It is the engine that powers a modern society. It creates teachers, doctors, engineers, scientists, entrepreneurs, and public servants,” President Mahama said.
Citing data from the World Bank, he noted that every additional year of tertiary education increases an individual’s earnings by up to 17% in developing countries. Yet, according to the 2021 Population and Housing Census, only 18% of Ghanaians aged 18 and above have completed tertiary education.
“This means that over 80% of our adult population lacks post-secondary qualifications,” the President pointed out. “In a nation striving to build a resilient, knowledge-driven economy, this gap is one we cannot afford to maintain.”
The President explained that the No Fees Stress policy was launched to address these inequalities by removing the financial barriers that prevent many qualified students from enrolling in public tertiary institutions. Starting from the 2025/2026 academic year, the government will absorb academic-related fees for all first-year students in public universities, technical universities, nursing training institutions, and colleges of education.
He emphasised that this initiative is more than just a financial intervention—it is a constitutional and developmental necessity.
“This policy is not about welfare. It is about fairness. It is about restoring dignity to the Ghanaian student,” he stated. “Education is the great equaliser. It bridges the gap between where a child is born and what that child can become.”
READ: Over 15,000 students already covered under ‘No Fees Stress’ policy – Mahama
President Mahama also highlighted broader reforms accompanying the initiative, including a restructured Student Loan Plus scheme, increased loan amounts, free tertiary education for persons with disabilities, and targeted scholarships for underserved communities.
He urged stakeholders; students, institutions, and development partners; to work together to make the policy a success and help position Ghana’s youth as the architects of economic transformation.
“We must prioritise our people’s intellectual capital as our greatest asset,” he declared. “Let us raise a generation of Ghanaians who are confident, skilled, and ready to build a prosperous and united nation.”
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
