The Deputy Minister of Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, has provided clarity on the government’s much-anticipated no-fee stress policy, stating unequivocally that first-year university students will not receive direct cash refunds for fees already paid. Instead, the Ministry will credit the funds toward the students’ second-year tuition.
“Rather than the physical reimbursement, going forward, as they go into their second year, what should have come to them to defer their academic fee for the first year will become a credit, which will then mean that as they go to second year, they wouldn’t have to pay because they have already paid for their first year,” Dr. Apaak explained during an interview on Joy News.
“This approach helps us avoid logistical challenges and any potential impropriety,” he added, highlighting the government’s commitment to accountability and administrative efficiency.
Background to the Policy
The no-fee stress policy was a major campaign promise by President John Dramani Mahama, aimed at alleviating financial pressure on students entering public universities. He committed to absorbing Level 100 academic fees within the first 120 days of his new administration — a move that was widely welcomed by students and parents alike.
To underscore this commitment, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu had previously assured the public that refunds would be made to students who had already paid their fees for the 2025 academic year.
Policy Implementation Shifts
Despite an allocation of GHS499.8 million for the rollout of the policy, the government has opted for a more structured route, ruling out direct reimbursements this academic year. The funds will instead be channeled directly to universities, where they will be used to offset second-year tuition fees for eligible students.
Officials say the decision to credit students’ accounts for the following academic year is a strategic move to reduce the administrative burden and eliminate risks of fund mismanagement or fraud.
