No more direct refund for 1st-year university students under “No-Fee Stress” policy - Apaak

The government has made a new decision about its no-fee stress policy. First-year university students will not receive direct refunds as promised.

During the election campaign, John Mahama, then presidential candidate for the NDC, made a pledge. He promised to absorb fees for all Level 100 students within 120 days of taking office.

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu confirmed this commitment during his vetting. He stated that the government would ensure refunds for students who paid fees for the 2025 academic year.

“We intend to provide that money to affected universities,” he said. This would allow them to refund students who had already paid.

Despite allocating GHS499.8 million for this policy, the government has ruled out direct refunds this academic year.

On JoyNews' NewsNight, Deputy Education Minister Dr. Clement Apaak explained the new plan. Instead of cash reimbursements, students’ accounts will be credited towards their second-year fees.

“The same students are continuing,” Dr. Apaak said. “What should have been a reimbursement will become a credit.”

This means that as they enter their second year, they won’t have to pay again since they already covered first-year fees.

He also noted that funds would go directly to universities for accountability reasons. “This approach helps us avoid logistical challenges and potential impropriety,” he added.