IN A SIGNIFICANT move to enhance access to higher education, President John Dramani Mahama has officially launched the “No-Fee Stress” policy, allocating GH¢499.8 million to cover academic fees for all first-year students in public tertiary institutions across Ghana.
Announced during his first State of the Nation Address in February 2025, the policy aims to alleviate the financial burden on students and their families, ensuring that economic constraints do not hinder access to tertiary education.
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson confirmed the allocation during the presentation of the 2025 Budget Statement to Parliament in March. He indicated that the funds would be disbursed through the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), which has been uncapped to provide dedicated financing for this initiative.
To facilitate the implementation of the policy, the government has developed the “No-Fee Stress” application portal. This platform allows first-year students to register and verify their eligibility for the funding.
GETFund has been instructed to pay the fees directly to the tertiary institutions, ensuring timely disbursement and preventing delays that typically frustrate students and administrators.
In addition to the “No-Fee Stress” policy, President Mahama announced a comprehensive plan to provide free tertiary education for persons with disabilities (PWDs). Under this initiative, PWDs will not be required to pay any fees throughout their tertiary education.
The government has also introduced the MahamaCares initiative, a Ghana Medical Trust Fund aimed at providing direct financial support to Ghanaians suffering from chronic diseases not fully covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
President Mahama has pledged six months of his salary to the fund, while Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has pledged four months of hers.
These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to expanding access to education and healthcare, particularly for marginalized groups.
By removing financial barriers, the Mahama administration aims to promote social equity and empower citizens to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Soirce: Nationaltymes.com
