President John Dramani Mahama has announced that 15,000 first-year students in public tertiary institutions have received confirmation that their admission fees have been paid under the government’s newly launched “No Fees, No Stress” policy.

Speaking at the official launch of the initiative in Koforidua on Friday, July 4, 2025, the President said the policy is aimed at removing financial barriers that prevent qualified students from enrolling in public universities, technical universities, nursing training colleges, and colleges of education.

“This is not just a policy announcement,” President Mahama said. “It is already working. Students who would have deferred their dreams are now registering because their fees have been paid.”

According to the President, over 150,000 prospective students have accessed the online application portal, with 34,500 applications verified so far. Out of that number, 15,000 students have already received notifications confirming that their admission fees have been covered by the state.

President Mahama stated that the initiative, which takes effect this academic year, guarantees full academic fee payment for all first-year students enrolled in public tertiary institutions.

He added that students with disabilities will be supported throughout the duration of their studies, not just in the first year.

He further announced that the government would introduce a revised loan scheme, known as Student Loan Plus, to provide continuing students with increased financial support and simplified access.

Scholarships will also be made available to students from underserved communities and those pursuing fields deemed important to national development.

“Education should not be a privilege reserved for the wealthy,” Mr Mahama said. “This is a constitutional, moral, and developmental obligation. We are making education a shared national inheritance.”

The President cited World Bank data showing that each additional year of tertiary education can increase a person's earnings by up to 17 per cent in developing countries. He said the policy would contribute to long-term national development by improving access to higher education and building a more productive workforce.

Referring to the 2022–2023 academic year, Mr Mahama noted that although over 150,000 students were admitted to public tertiary institutions, many were unable to enrol because of financial difficulties.

“This policy responds directly to that challenge,” he said. “We are taking steps to ensure that every Ghanaian child has the opportunity to pursue tertiary education, regardless of their background.”

President Mahama also revealed that the SDA College of Education, which hosted the launch, will benefit from new infrastructure in the next GETFund budget cycle. These include a male hostel, a multipurpose lecture hall, a 66-seater bus, and an official vehicle for the principal.