₵345m required to implement free tertiary tuition policy – Haruna Iddrisu
Education Minister-Designate Haruna Iddrisu Details ₵345 Million Budget for Free Tertiary Tuition Policy
The Minister-Designate for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has disclosed that the government will need approximately ₵345 million to fully roll out its free tuition policy for tertiary institutions.
Speaking before the Appointments Committee in Parliament on January 20, 2025, the Tamale South MP highlighted the transformative potential of the initiative, which aims to make tertiary education more accessible to students across Ghana.
Policy Overview
According to Haruna Iddrisu, the allocated funds will cover tuition fees for students entering tertiary institutions, ensuring equitable access to education. He explained that the funds would be channeled directly to universities and would include reimbursements for students who had already paid their fees prior to the policy’s implementation.
“The country will require about ₵345 million of the population of students who enter tertiary institutions. That is what the state will be required to do. We intend to provide that money to the affected universities, at least, to make refunds to those who have already paid fees,” he said.
Parental Flexibility
The policy, he noted, offers flexibility for parents. Those willing to pay their children’s fees can still do so within the framework established by the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
“The beauty of this is that parents who are willing to pay can do so under this policy that has been introduced by the NDC,” Haruna Iddrisu added.
Campaign Promise Fulfilled
The free tertiary tuition policy is a fulfillment of the NDC’s 2024 campaign promise, designed to ease the financial burden on students and families while promoting access to higher education.
Haruna Iddrisu pledged to oversee the successful implementation of the policy, underscoring the government’s commitment to improving educational access and outcomes.
This announcement represents a significant step in expanding educational opportunities in Ghana and is expected to generate widespread interest as stakeholders anticipate the policy’s rollout.
