Joyce Bawah Mogtari, Special Aide to the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has provided further details on the party’s “No Fees Stress” policy. According to her, the policy will not only support first-year students in public universities but also second-year students who may struggle to meet their financial obligations.
At the launch of the party’s Youth Manifesto in Accra on August 12, 2024, Mr. Mahama disclosed that, if elected, his government would implement the “No Fees Stress” policy, which would cover academic user facility fees for all level 100 students in public universities.
The former President explained that this policy would alleviate the financial burden on both parents and students.
In an effort to clarify the policy to Ghanaians, Ms. Mogtari stated in a social media post that the next NDC government will allocate over GH₵270 million to support first-year university students.
She further explained that provisions have been made for students who may still face financial difficulties in their second year. The former Deputy Minister for Transport added that these students will be enrolled in the Student Loan Trust Fund Plus (SLTF+), a program that would provide loans to those with genuine financial challenges.
“We in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) believe that allocating 275 million cedis to support first-year students is both achievable and within our financial capacity,” she wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
The renowned lawyer added that “It’s important to note that the policy includes a provision for second-year students who may still face financial difficulties. These students will be enrolled in the SLTF+ program, ensuring equity by providing loans to those who genuinely need financial support.”
On the importance of the policy, Ms. Mogtari argued that “Ultimately, the “No Fee Stress” policy is designed to increase access to tertiary education, encouraging more students to pursue higher education and thereby expanding our nation’s knowledge base for the future.”