The Tertiary Education Institutions Network (TEIN) of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Kumasi has stated that educational policies enacted during President John Dramani Mahama's time in office are helping tertiary students manage their finances. This group, based at Kumasi Technical University (KsTU), made these comments during an event for new students. They identified specific programs they believe have made a substantial difference for many students.
Abigail Amenyah, the President of TEIN-KsTU, spoke about the "No-Academic-Fee" policy. She explained that this policy reduced the need for students to pay large sums of money at the start of each school term. This has helped students avoid having to pause or stop their studies because of money problems. Ms. Amenyah also praised changes made to the Student Loan Trust Fund (SLTF). She said the expanded SLTF Plus program has made it easier and faster to give out loans. This has provided financial help to more students who need it.
The NDC student group's statements come at a time when the cost of living and accessing education remains a concern for many Ghanaian families. Previously, high upfront fees often made it difficult for students from less wealthy backgrounds to start or continue their university education. The group's claims suggest that targeted government interventions can directly impact student enrollment and completion rates. For instance, the NDC group mentioned that the "No Fee Stress" initiative, which covered academic fees for all first-year students, led to a noticeable increase in students enrolling in tertiary institutions.
Ms. Amenyah further pointed to the Free Tertiary Education for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) program. This initiative covers all tuition and academic fees for students with disabilities from their first year until they graduate. She stated that this effort promotes fairness and ensures that students with disabilities can finish their studies without financial worries. These actions, the group believes, demonstrate a government that is responsive to the needs of its students. The group also argued that these policies have helped lower student stress and improve their chances of staying in school.
Emmanuel Reagan Fynn, the Ashanti Regional Organizer of the NDC and guest of honor, also spoke at the event. He congratulated the TEIN members on their work. He encouraged them to help share information about government policies with other students. Mr. Fynn stressed that students should not let political activities take away from their main goal: succeeding in their studies. The event aimed to introduce new students to TEIN and encourage their involvement in student advocacy and campus politics.