Economist and Political Risk Analyst, Dr Theo Acheampong, has called on the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to reconsider its proposed 'no-fees policy for Level 100 students' should its flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama win the elections.
According to him, the policy should be a more targeted approach rather than a blanket implementation.
This comes after the NDC flagbearer John Mahama at the launch of the party’s Youth Manifesto on Monday said first-year tertiary students will not pay academic fees.
Related: Level 100 students won’t pay fees if I’m elected – Mahama
He said it would be part of a government initiative to lessen the burden on parents financing the cost of their children's education.
But speaking on Joy FM’s Newsfile, Dr Acheampong stressed the importance of focusing the policy on students who genuinely need financial support, rather than applying it universally.
Reflecting on his earlier criticism of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, Dr Acheampong highlighted the need for targeted interventions in education.
“Some of us actually wrote papers on this topic of Free SHS, emphasising the necessity to identify and support those who genuinely need access to educational facilities,” he said.
Dr Acheampong pointed out that the NDC’s proposal shares similarities with the Free SHS policy, which he believes was not optimally targeted.
He argued that a "politics of convenience" is at play, where broad, sweeping policies are favoured over more nuanced, need-based approaches.
“Some students are unable to honour their university admission for one reason or another. Why don’t we tailor this policy to this group of people instead of using a wholesale blanket approach of getting everyone into the school?” Dr Acheampong suggested.
He emphasised that a targeted approach would be more cost-effective for the government, enabling it to allocate resources more efficiently.
“If you go ahead with this blanket approach and pay for everyone, you will spend more money. But if you pay for those who genuinely need it, you would spend less and have money to save for other policies,” he explained.
Latest Stories
-
Alan Kyerematen is the situational leader Ghana needs at this critical time – Boniface Siddique
6 mins -
Speaker to address media on recent developments in Parliament, other issues on Wednesday
6 mins -
#Eleection2024: It’s a collective responsibility to maintain peace – Asogli Queen
11 mins -
Bawku conflict claims 61-year-old man, raising death toll to 22
16 mins -
Ghana’s education system stifles critical thinking, innovation – Sam Jonah
21 mins -
“Pay us our royalties” – Celestine Donkor’s manager to Boomplay
28 mins -
Ghana’s overlooked cocoa farmers: The key to a fair and sustainable cocoa industry
52 mins -
Napo urges Seikwa to reject NDC, accuses Asiedu Nketiah of rejecting his hometown
56 mins -
MTN Foundation empowers Volta Region entrepreneurs to drive Ghana’s economic transformation
59 mins -
Sam Jonah criticises reliance on past questions, calls for education reform
1 hour -
Abronye lauds Napo’s impact in Bono Region
1 hour -
Election 2024: Confusion rocks GFP as 2 factions send contradictory letters to EC
2 hours -
NDC Chairman asks NPP supporters to vote out governing party to allow internal restructuring
2 hours -
More youth to enjoy digital skills training – Dr Bawumia
2 hours -
Sam Jonah calls for military-based National Service in Ghana
2 hours