The Government of Ghana has begun to provide financial aid of $288 to each first-year student in public higher education institutions. This is part of the new "No Fees, No Stress" education policy recently introduced by President John Mahama in response to the rising cost of university education in the country.
The initiative aims to remove economic barriers that impede access to tertiary education, especially for young people from vulnerable communities. According to official figures, more than 15,000 students will benefit from the programme in its first phase alone, representing a significant investment in human capital by the government.
The news has had an immediate impact on university campuses. At the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), videos have gone viral showing dozens of students celebrating after receiving notification of the admission on their mobile phones. Many of them were dancing to the popular song "Mahama Paper" by Ghanaian artist Shatta Wale, in a clear reference to the initiator of the measure.
In addition to this initial support, the plan envisages the creation of a new student loan system to facilitate academic continuity, as well as special scholarships for people with disabilities and students from disadvantaged regions.
The aid package is part of a broader social and economic recovery strategy, articulated in a 120-day plan that seeks to reinforce basic services and boost key sectors such as education, health and youth employment.
With this measure, the Government of Ghana reinforces its commitment to equal access to education and sends a clear message about the priority it gives to the education of its youth as a driver of national development.
Source: @africa.world