THE National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) has welcomed government’s decision to absorb the percentage increases in the Academic Facility User Fees (AFUF) and the Residential Facility User Fees (RFUF) for the 2001/2002 academic year.

A release issued and signed by the Press and Information Officer of the union, Mr Emmanuel J.K. Arthur, in Accra, said "government's decision to absorb the fees, which is the outcome of weeks of negotiations between stakeholders, is indeed a clear demonstration of the NPP Government's commitment to ensure accessible education for all, even at the tertiary level".

It said "the decision also demonstrates the government’s desire and commitment to dialogue and consensus building," adding that, "the union hopes the gesture would put all intended demonstrations and student unrest on hold".

The release said the union awaits the moment when the payment of the user fees will be scrapped entirely.

It, however, reiterated its call on government to institute an enquiry into the disbursement of user fees since its inception two years ago.

According to the union, the probe would ensure accountability, transparency and judicious utilisation of such monies on various campuses.