Executive Director of the Educate Africa Institute, William Boadi, has cast doubt on former President John Mahama's campaign pledge to abolish academic fees for first-year university students, calling the proposal unrealistic. Mr Boadi, speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, critiqued the promise, which was unveiled during the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Youth Manifesto launch in Accra.

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“While this promise, made by the Flagbearer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), could potentially enhance access to higher education, it raises several critical questions about its feasibility and broader impact on Ghana’s educational and employment landscape,” Boadi noted.

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Mr Boadi acknowledged the importance of addressing the need for wider access to education but warned that it must be carefully balanced with the preservation of quality and continued support for students beyond their first year. He emphasized that although eliminating fees might boost enrollment, sustaining high academic standards and offering financial aid to continuing students should also be integral parts of any education reform effort.

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“The ability to implement such a policy hinges on securing adequate financial resources, scaling up university infrastructure, and ensuring long-term sustainability without negatively affecting the national budget or other vital services,” he cautioned.

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To truly reform the education system, Boadi proposed measures such as updating curricula to align with industry needs, forming partnerships with businesses for internships, and enhancing faculty development. “Effective solutions include updating curricula to include practical and industry-relevant skills, fostering partnerships with businesses for internships, and enhancing faculty training.

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These measures are necessary to ensure that students are well-prepared to meet the challenges of the modern job market,” he added.Boadi urged political leaders to prioritize sustainable and practical solutions that address Ghana's most pressing challenges, ensuring that promises enhance both educational access and quality while improving employment prospects for graduates.

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“By focusing on these critical areas, we can work towards a future where Ghana’s educational and employment systems are robust and effective,” he stated.Meanwhile, Daniel Oppong Kyeremeh, President of the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS), has called for broader consultations with key education stakeholders regarding the proposed policy.

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He urged a closer examination of how the initiative would be funded and suggested extending the policy to include financially struggling continuing students.On August 12, 2024, the NDC revealed its 2024 Youth Manifesto, with John Dramani Mahama pledging to eliminate academic fees for first-year tertiary students if elected.

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