Deputy Education Minister Dr Clement Apaak has revealed that first-year university students will not receive direct refunds under the government’s no-fee stress policy.
However, the already paid funds will be credited toward their second-year tuition fees in an attempt to keep to the promise.
Speaking in an interview with Joy News, the Deputy Education Minister said that this approach ensures accountability and avoids logistical challenges.
“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.”
In the 2025 budget, GH¢499.8 million was allocated for the No-Academic-Fee policy for all first-year students in public tertiary institutions under the ‘No-Fees-Stress’ initiative.
The government has also uncapped the GETFund in the hope of making available dedicated funds for the full financing of free tertiary education for Persons with Disability.
