The "No Fees Stress Policy"

Launched on July 4, 2025, at the SDA Asokore College of Education in Koforidua, this policy aims to eliminate financial barriers to tertiary education in Ghana.

• No-Academic-Fees Policy: The government will cover academic-related fees for all first-year students admitted to public tertiary institutions (universities, colleges of education, technical universities, and nursing training institutions).
• Student Loan Plus Initiative: A restructured financing model providing enhanced support for continuing students with expanded eligibility and simplified access.
• Increased Student Loan Amounts: Loan amounts will be increased and adjusted annually to reflect the actual costs of tertiary education.
• Diversified Student Funding Mechanisms: This includes targeted scholarships for underrepresented communities and disciplines vital for national development.
• Reimbursement for Fee-Paying Programs: Students in fee-paying programs without regular-track equivalents will receive a reimbursement of up to GHS 2,500 for academic fees.
• Free Tertiary Education for Persons with Disabilities: Ensuring full inclusion and compliance with the Disability Act.

Other Related Announcements

• Teacher Trainee Allowances: Allowances for teacher trainees will now be disbursed monthly through the Controller and Accountant-General's Department.
• Initial Policy Coverage: Academic user fees have already been cleared for an initial 15,000 students under this new policy.
• Constitutional Mandate: The policy aligns with Ghana's constitutional mandate (Article 38(3) of the 1992 Constitution) to provide equal access to university or equivalent education for all Ghanaians.
• Emphasis on STEM Education: President Mahama stressed the critical importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education for Ghana's development, advocating for STEM blocks and laboratories in all secondary schools.
• Science-Policy-Practice Nexus: An annual Scientific and Industrial Interface Review Forum will be established to connect scientists, research institutions, businesses, and innovators, facilitating the commercialization of research.