I disagrees with UTAG on John Mahama’s education pledge

The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has recently voiced its objections to John Dramani Mahama's pledge to pay academic user facility fees for all level 100 students if elected into power. UTAG suggests that instead of this direct intervention, the funds should be distributed to universities as bursaries to be administered directly by the institutions.

As a member of the NDC Communication Team in the Volta Region, I respectfully disagree with UTAG’s stance on this matter. While the idea of distributing funds as bursaries may seem appealing, it overlooks the critical need for direct financial relief to students, which is the core objective of John Mahama’s pledge.

The NDC’s proposal to pay academic user facility fees for all first-year university students is a strategic intervention aimed at making tertiary education more accessible. This initiative directly addresses the financial burden that often prevents many talented young Ghanaians from pursuing higher education. By eliminating these fees, the NDC is ensuring that every student, regardless of their economic background, can enter university without the immediate worry of how to cover these costs.

UTAG’s suggestion to allocate these funds as bursaries to universities is, without doubt, a well-intentioned proposal. However, it fails to recognize that the primary challenge for students is not the availability of bursaries but the upfront costs that must be paid before they can even set foot on campus. Bursaries, while beneficial, are often limited in scope and cannot guarantee that all students will receive the support they need in a timely manner. The NDC’s approach, on the other hand, offers a universal solution that benefits every incoming student equally.

Moreover, the government already has mechanisms in place to provide universities with financial support and bursaries. These mechanisms are separate from the intervention that the NDC seeks to implement. The NDC’s plan is a targeted initiative designed specifically to ease the financial burden on students, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder access to higher education. This does not preclude the continuation or enhancement of existing bursary programs; rather, it complements them by addressing a different aspect of the financial challenges faced by students.

John Mahama’s pledge is a bold and necessary step towards building a more inclusive educational system in Ghana. It directly tackles the barriers to entry that have kept many capable students from pursuing their academic dreams. By prioritizing the payment of academic user facility fees for level 100 students, the NDC is sending a clear message that education should be a right, not a privilege reserved for those who can afford it.

In conclusion, while I understand UTAG’s concerns, I firmly believe that the NDC’s approach is the most effective way to ensure that all Ghanaian students have the opportunity to access higher education without financial barriers. This pledge is about empowering students and making education accessible to all, which is a fundamental pillar of the NDC’s commitment to the youth of Ghana.

BY Stanley Agbozo
Volta Region NDC Communication Team Member

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