Vetting of the Minister of Education Designate highlights key issues
Watch Live: Vetting of the Minister of Education Designate
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Key Highlights
- Free First-Year University Admission Fees
- Approval will be granted for free admission fees for first-year university students.
- Students who have already paid their admission fees will receive refunds.
- Review of Free Education
- The Minister emphasized that reviewing the Free Education policy does not mean its cancellation but aims to enhance the program.
“Let me assure this committee that President John Dramani Mahama has no option to cancel Free SHS. Therefore, those who listen to him, even in the cause of his campaign, he has stated that he will expand Free SHS,” Haruna Iddrisu stated.
The Free SHS programme, introduced by the Akufo-Addo administration, was a pivotal focus during President John Mahama’s 2024 election campaign.
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President Mahama pledged to review and enhance the policy to make it more effective and inclusive for Ghanaians.
Mr. Iddrisu elaborated on the government’s intention to review the initiative, ensuring it remains sustainable and delivers maximum benefits.
He noted that President Mahama is keen on aligning the policy with constitutional provisions that prioritise educational accessibility for all.
“It was to tell Ghanaians that as President of the Republic, he wants to give 2 million to Article 25 of the 1992 Constitution and Article 38, which spells out the objective of our educational policy. Chair, the important thing is that he will subject the Free SHS to a review,” he explained.
In line with the proposed improvements, Mr. Iddrisu revealed plans to hold a stakeholder forum. This initiative aims to bring together educators, policymakers, and other key players to gather insights and recommendations for strengthening the education sector.
The assurance from Haruna Iddrisu comes amid ongoing discussions about the sustainability and execution of the Free SHS programme. While the government acknowledges the policy’s significance, the proposed review seeks to address gaps and ensure that it continues to serve its intended purpose effectively.
- Addressing CETAG Concerns
- Acknowledging the longstanding grievances of CETAG (Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana), the Minister is committed to resolving their issues.
- GES Employment Updates
- Employment into the Ghana Education Service will hinge on:
- Clearance from the Ministry of Finance.
- Availability of vacancies.
- Teachers’ willingness to accept postings to areas where their services are most needed.
- Employment into the Ghana Education Service will hinge on:
- Licensure Examination Changes
- Infrastructure Development in Rural Areas
- Realignment of the Common Fund to prioritize the construction of accommodations for teachers in rural and underserved areas.
- The country will require about ₵345 million for the population of students who enter tertiary institutions, that is what the state will be required to do,” he explained.
Job Advert: Experienced Development Expert to Join Our Board of TrusteesThe allocated funds will be directed to affected universities to ensure that students who have already settled their fees are not disadvantaged. “We intend to provide that money to the affected universities, at least, to make refunds to those who have already paid fees,” Mr. Iddrisu stated.He further highlighted the flexibility of the policy, which allows parents who wish to pay tuition fees to do so. “The beauty of this is that parents who are willing to pay can do so under this policy that has been introduced by the NDC,” he added.The free tertiary tuition policy aims to alleviate the financial burden on students and families while promoting equitable access to higher education.Mr. Iddrisu reaffirmed his commitment to the policy, pledging to ensure its effective rollout.
- “In the last few years, the GETFund has suffered because of the decision of the then Finance Minister to cap it. President Mahama has gone public, and I join him to say that we will uncap GETFund to free additional resources to support robust infrastructural development,” he said.He further emphasised his commitment to act swiftly: “I will engage the Minister for Finance to uncap GETFund as a matter of expediency.”
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