Former Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier General Joseph Nunoo-Mensah (Rtd), has challenged President John Dramani Mahama’s recent proposal to introduce free tuition for first-year public tertiary students. The former military officer voiced his reservations during a stakeholder engagement session at O’Reilly Senior High School in Accra on 15 January.
President Mahama had unveiled his “no fee stress policy” ahead of the 2024 general election, aiming to eliminate tuition fees for first-year students in public tertiary institutions. The initiative seeks to allocate grants to universities to cover these expenses, easing the financial burden on students transitioning from senior high school.
However, Brigadier General Nunoo-Mensah (Rtd) questioned the necessity of this initiative, arguing that parents should bear the responsibility for their children’s tertiary education. He emphasized that individuals pursuing higher education should not rely on government subsidies, as they should be able to afford it independently.
During his address, Brigadier General Nunoo-Mensah (Rtd) remarked, “Why pay for them? What is the essence of tertiary education? What is the use? You don’t have to pay for it. Come on, it’s not necessary.” He further expressed his belief that tertiary education should not be a burden on taxpayers, as graduates often struggle to find employment and contribute meaningfully to society.
Additionally, the retired military official criticized the implementation of the Free Senior High School (SHS) program, suggesting that parents should prioritize paying for their children’s education or seek scholarships if unable to afford it. He firmly stated that government resources should not be allocated towards free education initiatives.
Despite these objections, President Mahama remains committed to implementing the “No Academic Fee Policy” for all first-year students in public tertiary institutions within the first 120 days of his administration. The debate surrounding the funding of higher education continues to spark discussions among policymakers and stakeholders in Ghana.
