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Free tertiary fees for new entrants laudable, but funding may be a challenge – GNAT
The General Secretary of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Thomas Musah, has welcomed the proposal to cover academic user fees for first-year tertiary students but has expressed concern about sustainability.
While he acknowledges the benefits of easing the financial burden on students and parents, he warns that the country’s stretched education budget may not be able to bear the weight of such an initiative without careful planning.
Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show, he recognised the proposal by Haruna Iddrisu, the Minister of Education nominee, as a step in the right direction, offering much-needed support for new students.
However, he stressed that while the idea is commendable, the reality of financing it could pose significant challenges for the already fragile national budget.
“While it’s a great move for students, we need to ask ourselves: how much do we actually have to fund these initiatives?” he asked, underscoring the importance of a sustainable funding strategy.
He highlighted the ongoing financial struggles within the education sector, including arrears owed to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), unpaid bills to school feeding suppliers, and long-overdue payments to food vendors in Senior High Schools (SHS).
To make matters worse, capitation grants have been in arrears for over two years, raising serious concerns about the government’s ability to meet its educational commitments.
Mr Musah also pointed to the need for a broader, more long-term strategy to secure reliable funding for education in Ghana, something GNAT has long advocated for but has yet to see fully implemented.
Without this, he warned that any effort to support first-year students could be short-lived and add even more strain on the system.
Mr Musah agreed that paying first-year university students’ fees is a positive development, and emphasised that its success hinges on the government’s ability to secure sustainable funding.
“Without a solid financial plan, the initiative could face significant challenges and deepen the financial pressures already plaguing the education sector” he concluded.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
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Speaker of Parliament inaugurates open Parliament Steering Committee, launches action plan
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has launched the Open Parliament Steering Committee and the Open Parliament Action Plan.
The ceremony was under the theme “Achieving Gender Equality: Action by Action.”
The Speaker highlighted the critical role Parliament plays in translating the will of the people into inclusive legislation, responsive policies, and accountable governance.
“The International Day of Parliamentarianism is worth celebrating, as it offers an opportunity not only to recognise and promote achievements in strengthening democratic governance, but also to pause and reflect on the remaining gaps in institutionalising parliamentary democracy,” he said.
He noted that the event was scheduled to coincide with the International Day of Parliamentarianism to reinforce the importance of open and inclusive governance.
The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, stated that the International Day of Parliamentarianism is intended to recognise the vital role Parliaments play globally as pillars of democratic governance.
He noted that this marks the first time Ghana is formally observing the day.
“The gravity of our observance is further accentuated as we convene to witness the launch of the Open Parliament Action Plan by the Open Government Partnership Caucus,” he said.
Delivering a statement on behalf of the Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the Deputy Minority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei, described the Open Parliament Action Plan as a transformative initiative aimed at strengthening the relationship between Parliament and the public.
She said the plan represents a bold commitment to making Parliament more transparent, accessible, and responsive to the needs of Ghanaians.
The Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, described the launch as a key milestone in the effort to build a citizen-focused and accountable Parliament.
He added that the International Day of Parliamentarianism is a call to action to recommit to the highest standards of public service and democratic accountability.
The inauguration was attended by a wide range of stakeholders, including the Majority and Minority Members of Parliament, members of the Open Parliament Steering Committee, the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Caucus, Parliamentary Network Africa, representatives from civil society organisations, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional and religious leaders, student bodies, the Parliamentary Press Corps, and other media partners.
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NACOC declares drug menace a national emergency
The Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Interior has paid a working visit to the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to engage with its leadership and assess operational challenges hampering the fight against illicit drugs.
In a detailed presentation, Dr. Basha Ligbi, Head of the Commission’s Research Bureau, highlighted critical setbacks including broken body scanners at airport terminals, inadequate office infrastructure, overcrowded detention facilities, and deteriorating vehicles.
He also called for the Commission’s headquarters to be reclassified as a security zone, citing growing security risks due to private encroachment and nearby high-rise developments.
Director General of NACOC, Brigadier General Maxwell Obiba Mantey, described the escalating drug trade as a national emergency, warning that drug barons now rival armed robbers in threat level and are gaining influence at the highest levels.
He appealed for stronger institutional support and morale-boosting interventions to preserve the integrity of NACOC officers.
Chairman of the Committee and MP for Builsa North, James Agalga, assured the Commission of the Committee’s commitment to escalate the concerns to Parliament and engage key justice sector stakeholders to fast-track reforms in support of NACOC’s mandate.
