John Mahama’s first-year Free Fees Policy is laudable

The decision of flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama to wave fees for first-year tertiary students is a laudable idea that must be applauded and encourage by all well-meaning Ghanaians. Mr. Mahama made these disclosure during the launching of the NDC’s youth manifesto on August 12.

According to the former President, the policy will be part of the next (National Democratic Congress (NDC) government’s initiative to lessen the burden on parents financing the cost of their children's education at the tertiary level.

He promised to a no-fees stress programme to alleviate the financial burden on parents and students in financing tertiary education. “We will implement a no academic fees policy at the university for level 100 students,”

Mr Mahama also said that the party will redeploy the Student Loan Trust Fund to give continuing students the option to utilise student loans to finance their university fees directly, ensuring peace of mind for the students to focus on their studies.

It is essential that we support the former president to succeed in order to implement this wonderful policy that has branches of benefits for both individual families and the nation at large.

The Progressive Free Senior High School (SHS) introduced by Mr. Mahama which was followed and expanded by the current government is a laudable policy even though the decision to expand it was not properly implemented by the Akufo-Addo government.

It is extremely dangerous to produce thousands of SHS graduates without the opportunity to further their education, this has the propensity to lead to security threat to the country. Half education they say is dangerous. Most parents are unable to pay fees for their wards to further their education beyond the Free SHS, they consequently become a burden to society since they do not possess any skills that could fetch them employment.

In view of the above, it is exceptionally innovative and recommendable for anyone seeking our mandate to wave fees for first year students at the tertiary level and redeploy the Student Loan Trust Fund to give continuing students the option to utilise student loans to finance their university fees directly.

Without a complete understanding of the nuances and complexities involved, half-educated individuals may inadvertently perpetuate misinformation, spread harmful ideologies, or make ill-informed choices that have far-reaching consequences. It is therefore importance for society to ensure the youth have access to affordable tertiary education.

Tertiary education promotes personal growth and development. Through this, students gain independence, time management skills, and the ability to work both individually and in teams. They also develop valuable transferable skills such as communication, leadership, and adaptability.

Moreover, facilitating access to tertiary education to the youth will enhance the human capital of the country and provide numerous advantages including economic diversification, it will lessen our dependence on primary industries and provides stability in economic downturns. It will create jobs, from low-skilled positions to high-paying professional roles.

As the 7^th December 2024 election gets closer, it is important to eschew emotions and vote for a party whose policies will have direct impact on our lives, this is the NDC and former President Mahama.