President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the government will fully refund academic fees for all first-year tertiary students enrolling in September 2025, as part of efforts to make higher education more accessible and affordable.
The announcement was made during a major rally at Jackson Park in Koforidua on Sunday, July 20, as part of the President’s ongoing nationwide “Thank You Tour.” Addressing a large and enthusiastic crowd, President Mahama said the funds for the initiative have already been secured, ensuring that financial constraints will not hinder qualified students from beginning their tertiary education.
“In September, the new batch of first-year students who will be enrolled — money is ready to be reimbursed for their academic fees,” the President declared, drawing loud applause from supporters.
The reimbursement falls under the government’s newly introduced ‘No Fees Stress’ policy—an equity-driven programme designed to eliminate cost barriers for students, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds. The initiative is a key component of President Mahama’s broader agenda focused on social protection and human capital development, which was a major pillar of his 2024 election campaign.
In a further boost to the education sector, President Mahama also revealed that the government has paid six months of outstanding allowances owed to students in nursing and teacher training colleges.
“We have also paid six months’ arrears of allowances for students at the nursing and teacher training colleges,” he said. “And we promise that going forward, they will receive their allowances every month.”
The dual announcements underscore the administration’s renewed focus on investing in the country’s youth and expanding access to quality education, especially for those from economically challenged households.
