Ghana's government has spent GHS 936 million over the past two academic years on its 'No Fees Stress' policy. This policy supports tertiary education for first-year students in public institutions. Wonder Victor Kutor, Board Chairman of VRA International Schools Ltd, has called for a review of this policy.
Mr. Kutor argues that parents affording luxury vehicles and expensive gifts for their children should not receive state-funded tertiary education support. He believes the policy should specifically target financially disadvantaged students. This would ensure public resources are used efficiently where they are most needed.
This call for review comes amid broader discussions on public spending and resource allocation in Ghana. The 'No Fees Stress' policy aims to ease the financial burden on families. However, its implementation has drawn scrutiny regarding its reach and effectiveness. Ghana's economy faces ongoing challenges, making efficient use of public funds critical.
Speaking at the Akosombo International School's graduation ceremony on June 27, 2026, Mr. Kutor stated his position. He said, "If parents can afford to purchase luxury vehicles worth hundreds of thousands of dollars for their children after Senior High School, they should also be able to finance their tertiary education." He supports the policy's principle but urges a refined approach.
The Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service, and the Students Loan Trust Fund must now consider this recommendation. A review would likely focus on eligibility criteria to better target beneficiaries. This could lead to changes in how the GHS 936 million allocated to the policy is distributed. Decision-makers and the public will watch closely for any policy adjustments.
The government released GHS 537 million to support 159,750 first-year students in the 2025/2026 academic year. This represents an increase in expenditure from the previous year. In 2024/2025, GHS 399 million was spent on approximately 152,000 students. The total expenditure demonstrates a significant commitment to tertiary education support.
Public displays of wealth, including luxury vehicles given as graduation gifts, preceded Mr. Kutor's comments. Some parents reportedly spent over US$500,000 on cars for their children. These lavish celebrations became widely publicised on social media platforms. The Ghana Education Service consequently banned such practices.
Mr. Kutor, also a National Executive Committee member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has personally supported underprivileged students. His stance is not against the policy itself. Instead, he advocates for an equitable distribution of benefits. The Students Loan Trust Fund is the implementing agency for the program. They would be central to any proposed changes.