The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has not given the slightest indication that the 15 percent increment in fees for public tertiary institutions would be reduced, not even after a groundswell of rejection by students.
It however advocated that the fees are paid in installments to lessen the burden on students and their sponsors.
The University Students Association of Ghana (USAG) had opposed the increment saying it would make access to education increasingly difficult.
Although Parliament has approved the 15 percent increment in university fees from the previous academic year, the students body has served notice it would “strongly” resist the new fees.
Meanwhile, the Director General of GTEC, Prof. Mohammed Salifu, in a letter to the vice-chancellors of public universities and principals of public colleges of education, dated 22nd December, said he has received “numerous petitions” from students and other individuals about some universities charging fees “far in excess” of the maximum 15%.
“This is to kindly remind all Public Tertiary Education Institutions to abide strictly by the approval given. Any increases above the approved rate shall be in direct contravention of the Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2022 (Act 1080), and likely to attract sanctions from the Parliament of Ghana,” the letter cautioned.
Prof. Mohammed Salifu further noted, “At the request of the students, we further kindly advise the Management of the institutions to consider accepting a 50% part-payment of fees to enable the student to register at the beginning of the year, with a specific payment plan agreed for the balance to be paid, based on individual circumstances.
“This is to provide flexible terms of payment and reduce fee-default rate amongst students with genuine financial challenges.”
Read also: USAG rejects proposed 15 per cent increment in public university fees