Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama's promise to implement a no-fee stress programme, which would abolish academic fees for level 100 students, has sparked varied opinions among the public.

According to academic experts, the policy is not feasible. While some argue that its success could significantly enhance access to higher education, they caution that it could negatively impact the educational system and employment landscape.

First-year tertiary students, who would be most affected by this initiative if implemented, expressed their sentiments on the challenges the policy could face, as well as the potential advantages it could bring to their academic journey.

Speaking exclusively to GhanaWeb TV, one of the first-year students citing challenges said “that’s going to be a problem because free SHS came and we thought it will help Ghana but see, teachers are complaining they are not being paid, coupled with school feeding issues. Mahama’s own [policy] too people not paying money in level 100 will cause problems because our numbers may increase and we are going to be many.”

Another student, optimistic about how the policy could alleviate the financial burden on the less privileged but concerned about the challenges said “If he’s able to implement the policy it will help those who can’t afford the university fees but with the state of the economy now, I think he won’t be able to do it because they are already having challenges with the free SHS.

“…I think if the government is able to do their things right and implement the policy for free first-year academic fees to be paid, I think it will be good.”

However, a student who suggests the policy could be a mere political campaign gimmick noted “I do not have a solid stance whether it’s good or bad. For me, it depends on how effective its going to be because looking at the free SHS, it started all good but now we can all see the negative effects of it.

“For political parties to come into power, they make promises they don’t have the capacity to fulfil just to get the populace to vote for them and so this initiative being good or bad will depend on how effective it will be.”

Meanwhile, a member of the NDC Manifesto Committee on Education, Dr Clement Apaak, highlighting how the next NDC administration plans to fund the policy said revenue loopholes created by the current government will be blocked.

He said the funds generated will be channelled into the policy.

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