The Member of Parliament for Builsa South, Dr. Clement Apaak, has clarified that the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) free tuition policy for first-year students in public universities will not be mandatory.
Speaking in an interview with Citi FM on January 15, Dr. Apaak explained that students who do not wish to benefit from the policy may opt out.
“It is not going to be by compulsion. If there are persons who feel that they don’t need it and would not want to be beneficiaries of this arrangement, they are free to opt out,” he stated.
Fulfilling Campaign Promises
The free tuition initiative was a key campaign promise of the NDC and John Mahama during the last election. Dr. Apaak reaffirmed the party’s commitment to delivering on this pledge, emphasizing its importance in securing public support. 
The policy is part of the NDC’s larger plan to improve access to education and reduce financial constraints for students transitioning into tertiary education.
“As far as this is a manifesto promise made by John Mahama and the NDC to the people of Ghana… we intend to carry it through,” Dr. Apaak said.
The optional nature of the program ensures that students who prefer to pay tuition can still do so, providing flexibility in its implementation.
