Education Minister vows to crack down on universities charging unauthorized fees

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has vowed to take strict action against any university officials found charging unauthorized fees, particularly targeting first-year students.

Speaking on Wednesday, November 6, the Minister emphasized his commitment to rooting out corruption within the tertiary education sector, stressing that no official would be allowed to undermine government policies.

“This government will leave no stone unturned in its fight against corrupt practices in our universities,” Mr. Iddrisu declared during an interview with Agyenkwa FM in Kumasi.

The Minister’s statement follows reports that some officials in government universities have allegedly imposed unapproved fees on new students.

These first-year students are, under President John Dramani Mahama’s new education policy, covered by the National Scholarship Scheme, which aims to ease the financial burden on parents and guardians.

Describing the actions of the officials as “unfortunate and counterproductive,” Mr. Iddrisu said such behavior undermines the government’s efforts to make education more accessible. “The scholarship scheme was designed specifically to relieve parents of financial strain. I cannot understand why some officials would go against these directives,” he added.

He further affirmed that his ministry is prepared to pursue legal action against any university staff found guilty, serving as a deterrent to others and safeguarding the integrity of government programs.

“The government is determined to uphold transparency, accountability, and the proper implementation of its educational policies,” the Minister stressed, reiterating that offenders would face full consequences for their actions.