Dr. Apaak encourages eligible students to register for ‘No Fees Stress’ ahead of July 31 deadline

Deputy Education Minister, Dr. Clement Apaak, has encouraged eligible students under the government’s flagship No Fees Stress policy to register before the deadline is due on 31st July, 2025.

Addressing the 17th Congregation of Ola College of Education on Friday at Cape Coast in the Central region, the deputy minister stressed that the policy was aimed at reducing financial costs associated with tertiary education in Ghana.

His comments follow the disbursement of funds to first-year students in public universities and colleges who registered with the Student Loan Trust Fund (SLTF) under the policy.

Dr. Apaak, who emphasized the deadline extension, urged potential beneficiaries to take advantage of it.

“This policy aims to remove financial barriers that prevent qualified students from enrolling in public universities, technical universities, nursing training colleges, and colleges of education. Refunds have commenced, and validation is ongoing for remaining students. I urge those who have not yet applied to do so,” the deputy minister said.

The government’s direct payment of academic fees to first-year students in public universities and colleges is in fulfillment of a campaign pledge during the 2024 general election campaign.

While nearly all first-year students had paid their fees before the policy was launched earlier this year, the government’s refund is intended to defray the costs of the initial payments.

Dr. Apaak also urged graduates to “never underestimate the impact of your work” and to “be ethical, innovative, and compassionate.” He emphasized that teachers play a critical role in shaping Ghana’s future and encouraged them to carry the legacy of knowledge and service with pride and humility.

The Deputy Minister commended the leadership of OLA College of Education, particularly the Principal, Dr. Mrs. Regina Okyere-Dankwah, for their tireless efforts in positioning the college as a centre of excellence for female teacher education.

On a related issue of financial intervention by the Mahama administration, Dr. Apaak noted that the government had appropriated a lump sum of GHC203m for the payment of teacher trainees’ allowances.

He said it was an indication of the government’s commitment to supporting teacher trainees in the country.