Thousands of enthusiastic supporters gathered at Jackson Park in Koforidua on Sunday, July 20, to hear President John Mahama deliver a major policy update during his nationwide “Thank You Tour.” Addressing the crowd, the President announced that his administration will refund academic fees for all first-year tertiary students enrolling in September 2025.
The initiative is a central component of the government’s ‘No Fees Stress’ policy, which aims to remove financial barriers for students—particularly those from low-income backgrounds. President Mahama emphasized that funds for the refund have already been secured, ensuring smooth execution of the plan.
“In September, the new batch of first-year students who will be enrolled, money is ready to be reimbursed for their academic fees,” he declared, drawing a resounding reaction from attendees.
This move supports the President’s broader human capital development agenda, which featured prominently in his 2024 campaign. It is expected to ease the financial load on families struggling to afford tertiary education, while promoting equity across the academic system.
During the address, President Mahama also announced that six months of unpaid allowances owed to students in nursing and teacher training colleges had been paid. “We have also paid six months’ arrears of allowances for students at the nursing and teacher training colleges,” he said. “We promise that they will receive their allowances every month.”
The fee refund and the restoration of student allowances signal a renewed focus on education under Mahama’s leadership. His government’s actions reflect a deliberate effort to address long-standing concerns among students and parents, while also delivering on campaign promises related to social support and educational reform.
