"No Fees, No Stress: Mahama Launches Tertiary Education Relief for Freshers"
New policy eliminates academic user fees for first-year students in all public tertiary institutions.
Edem Latsu Nukafu 
President John Dramani Mahama has officially launched the “No Fees Stress” policy, a landmark initiative aimed at removing financial barriers to higher education for thousands of Ghanaians. The announcement, made during a vibrant ceremony in Koforidua, signals a major step forward in the government's effort to promote inclusive tertiary education under the broader “Reset Ghana” development agenda.
The new policy waives academic user fees for all first-year students in public tertiary institutions across the country, fulfilling a key 2024 campaign promise by President Mahama.
“This is more than a promise kept, it is a commitment to the future of Ghana,” Mahama said. He recounted the stories of gifted but underprivileged students he had encountered before taking office, adding, “These are not isolated stories; these are real stories of people. This is why the No Fees Stress policy is necessary.”
■ Strong Early Uptake
The policy has already gained massive traction. According to the Students Loan Trust Fund (SLTF), nearly 130,000 students registered online by mid-June, with over 100,000 completing their applications. SLTF also confirmed that 19,703 students have received second-semester loans as of July 1.
In addition, Government Communications Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu revealed that over 19,500 students have already received fee reimbursements, easing the financial burdens many families face at the start of each academic year.
■ Inclusive and Expanding Support
The initiative goes beyond just tuition waivers. Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu announced that the policy has been extended to cover students living with physical disabilities, ensuring that vulnerable groups are not left behind.
He further disclosed that the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) will double its allocation to the SLTF, increasing support from GH¢70 million to GH¢150 million to allow more students to benefit from the loan scheme.
■ A New Chapter for Access and Equity
Dr. Saajida Shiraz, Acting CEO of SLTF, praised the government's dedication to education and confirmed that disbursements have reached students across 135 public and private institutions. “We are witnessing a major shift in access to tertiary education,” she said.
