Educate Africa Institute (EAI) is closely examining former President John Mahama’s recent pledge to abolish academic fees for first-year university students.
While this promise, made by the flag bearer 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. 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.
Addressing the pressing need for educational access is crucial, yet it must be balanced with ensuring educational quality and support systems for students beyond their first year. While removing financial barriers can boost educational attainment, maintaining high educational standards and providing scholarships or financial aid for continuing students are essential components of a comprehensive approach to educational reform.
Moreover, simply increasing access to education does not guarantee practical knowledge or problem-solving skills among students. Effective solutions include updating curricula to include practical and industry-relevant skills, fostering partnerships with businesses for internships, and enhancing faculty training. These measures are necessary to ensure that students are well-prepared to meet the challenges of the modern job market.
Addressing graduate unemployment, improving conditions for university teachers, and resolving issues related to past pay policies are also critical. Reducing graduate unemployment requires policies that stimulate job creation and align educational outcomes with labor market needs, while improving teacher conditions involves fair compensation, better working conditions, and constructive dialogue with the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG). Ensuring fair treatment for teachers affected by past pay issues will also be important for maintaining trust and morale within the education sector.
Educate Africa Institute emphasizes that political promises should be grounded in addressing Ghana’s most pressing needs with realistic and sustainable solutions. The goal is to ensure that policies not only promise access but also enhance the quality and applicability of education and improve employment prospects for graduates. By focusing on these critical areas, we can work towards a future where Ghana’s educational and employment systems are robust and effective.
SGD
William Boadi
Executive Director of EAI, Educationist, Political Analyst, and Social Worker
0541935106
EAI: PROMOTING QUALITY EDUCATION
