‘No-Fees-Stress’ initiative part of Ghana’s push to remove barriers to education – Dr. Apaak

Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reducing financial barriers that prevent young Ghanaians from pursuing higher education.

Speaking at the conference of the Association of African Higher Education Financing Agencies (AAHEFA), Dr. Apaak said the government was pursuing measures to expand access while building a more equitable and sustainable education financing system.

He cited the No-Fees-Stress Initiative, launched by President John Dramani Mahama, as one of the interventions aimed at addressing financial barriers.

“The No-Fees-Stress Initiative, launched by His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, is one step in that direction, but our broader objective is a system that is accessible, relevant, equitable, and capable of preparing young people for the demands of the future.”

He said achieving that objective would require stronger institutions, better use of technology, reliable data, effective partnerships and sustained political commitment.

Dr. Apaak also highlighted the role of the Students Loan Trust Fund, saying the institution must continue improving its systems and service delivery as Ghana’s higher education financing landscape changes.

“The Students Loan Trust Fund has an important role to play in this, and as Ghana’s higher education financing landscape evolves, the Fund must continue strengthening its systems, improving service delivery, and remaining responsive to students’ changing needs.”

He urged delegates at the conference to focus on practical solutions and consider financing models that support not only traditional university education but also TVET, postgraduate education, professional development and lifelong learning.

“And above all, keep inclusion at the centre of the conversation, measuring success not only by how many students a system supports, but by who is still being left behind.”

The AAHEFA conference brings together higher education financing agencies, government representatives, tertiary institutions and development partners from across Africa to deliberate on the future of higher education financing.