President Acting Spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has said the Mahama-led administration is committed to fulfilling its free first-year university tuition promise.
However, the Abura Asebu Kwamankese MP has stated that he believes Ghanaians will not be angry if the policy is not implemented this year.
Mr. Ofosu disclosed this in an interview on Accra-based Asempa FM after he was asked when the policy will take effect.
As a new government, the lawmaker was optimistic that Ghanaians would give them adequate time to implement the policy successfully.
“Everybody will agree that we don’t have ministers yet, so even if we say tomorrow, it is not a realistic expectation. Ghanaians are slow to anger, and they will give you a long time.
“They are also reasonable people and know that as a new government, the circumstances don’t permit you to do certain things. I don’t think they will hold it against you; they will give you sufficient time,” he said.
Regardless, the Minister of State-designate for Government Communications admitted that if the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government unnecessarily delays, there will be consequences.
“Except, for instance, if we don’t do it after a year without any reasonable excuse, then Ghanaians will take action.
“So really, I don’t think the problem is about the fact of unfulfilled promises but the failure to accept responsibility,” he stated.
President Mahama, ahead of the 2024 election, promised to provide tuition-free education for first-year students in public universities.
He explained that the policy aims to increase access to higher education, particularly for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Meanwhile, universities have already commenced the admission process while the proposed policy is yet to take effect.
Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu, has since assured that students who have already paid their fees will be reimbursed.
