First-year university students won’t receive direct refunds – Dr. Apaak clarifies policy shift

Deputy Education Minister Dr. Clement Apaak has announced a change in how the government’s no-fee stress policy will be implemented for first-year university students, stating that students will no longer receive direct cash refunds.

Instead, the funds will be applied as a credit toward their second-year tuition fees.

Speaking in an interview, Dr. Apaak explained that this new approach is aimed at ensuring transparency, minimizing logistical challenges, and reducing the risk of misuse.

“Rather than issuing physical refunds, the money that would have gone back to the students will now serve as a credit toward their second-year fees. This means they won’t have to pay tuition in their second year because that cost will already be covered,” he said.

He said that the policy shift allows for smoother execution and helps prevent potential financial irregularities.

The no-fee stress initiative was a flagship campaign promise by President John Mahama, aimed at absorbing fees for all Level 100 students within the first 120 days of his administration.

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu had earlier assured students who had already paid their fees for the 2025 academic year that they would be refunded.

While the government has allocated GHS499.8 million for the program’s implementation, it has now confirmed that no direct reimbursements will be made.

Instead, the funds will be sent directly to the universities to streamline the process and maintain financial integrity.