No More Direct Refunds for First-Year Students Under “No-Fee Stress” Policy – Dr. Apaak Explains

The government has changed how it will give back money to first-year university students who already paid their fees.

Earlier, during the 2024 election campaign, former President and NDC flag bearer, John Mahama, promised to pay the school fees of all Level 100 students in his first 120 days if he won the election.

When Haruna Iddrisu, the current Education Minister, was being vetted, he also said that students who had already paid their 2025 fees would get their money back. He said,

“We intend to provide that money to the affected universities, at least to make refunds to all those who have already paid those fees.”

But now, the government says it will not give the money directly to the students anymore. Even though GHS499.8 million was set aside for the policy, the new plan is different.

Dr. Clement Apaak, Deputy Education Minister, explained on JoyNews’ NewsNight that students will not receive cash. Instead, their school accounts will be credited with the money to cover their second-year fees.

He said,

“The same students are going to be continuing. Rather than the physical reimbursement, going forward, as they go into their second year, what should have come to them to defer their academic fee for the first year will become a credit…”

This means if a student has already paid their first-year fees, that payment will now cover their fees for the second year.

Dr. Apaak also said the money will be sent directly to the universities, not to the students.

“This approach helps us avoid logistical challenges and any potential impropriety,” he said.

So, while students won’t get any cash back in hand, their fees for next year will alre