Eric Edem Agbana sets record straight on University of Ghana hall fees
The recent increase in traditional hall fees of 20% by the University of Ghana management for the 2024/2025 academic year cannot be blame on the doorstep of the John Mahama administration as speculated and championed by certain individuals, Member of Parliament (MP) for Ketu North constituency, and former president of the Student Representative Council (SRC) of the University of Ghana, Eric Edem Agbana has said.
In a Facebook post, Edem called on the Minister of Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, to urgently intervene and explore the possibility of a reduction in the fees to ease the burden on students and their families.
“Having said this, I join the many voices calling on the government, particularly our distinguished Minister of Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, himself a former student leader, to urgently intervene. I appeal to him to explore the possibility of a reduction in the fees to ease the burden on students and their families” part of the post reads.
It added, “Education remains a cornerstone of national development, and we must do everything in our power to ensure that no student is left behind due to financial constraints. A swift and compassionate response from the government would not only provide relief but also reaffirm its commitment to prioritizing the welfare of the youth, who represent the future of this nation. Let us act now to make education more accessible and equitable for all.”
READ FULL STATEMENT BELOW:
IGNORE THE NPP’S MISCHIEF: SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT ON UG HALL FEES
It is unfortunate, yet unsurprising, to see the NPP peddling falsehoods about an alleged astronomical increase in hall fees at the University of Ghana by the NDC. As a former UG SRC President, I am well-versed in the processes that determine fees and charges. Let me set the record straight:
1. Fees Are Approved a Year in Advance: All fees and charges for an academic year are determined and approved by the University Council in the previous academic year. This means that fees for the 2023/2024 academic year were approved during the 2022/2023 academic year, long before the NDC assumed office.
2. The Current University Council Still Reflects Akufo-Addo’s Government: The current University of Ghana Council remains constituted with nominees and representatives of the Akufo-Addo government. President John Mahama is yet to constitute new university councils.
3. Baseless Claims from Student Leaders: It is deeply disappointing for anyone;especially student leaders who should know better to propagate this baseless claim that the NDC has increased hall fees. Such assertions lack merit and are a deliberate attempt to mislead the public.
4. Having said this, I join the many voices calling on the government, particularly our distinguished Minister of Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, himself a former student leader, to urgently intervene. I appeal to him to explore the possibility of a reduction in the fees to ease the burden on students and their families.
Education remains a cornerstone of national development, and we must do everything in our power to ensure that no student is left behind due to financial constraints. A swift and compassionate response from the government would not only provide relief but also reaffirm its commitment to prioritizing the welfare of the youth, who represent the future of this nation.
Let us act now to make education more accessible and equitable for all. Thank you.
Eric Edem Agbana
MP, Ketu North
Former SRC President
University of Ghana.
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