Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, former Ghanaian Minister of Education, has unveiled an ambitious plan to introduce free university education across the country if elected president in the upcoming general elections. The announcement, made during a public address in Accra on Saturday, has sparked widespread discussion about the future of tertiary education in Ghana.
Speaking to a gathering of students, educators, and supporters, Dr. Adutwum emphasized that access to higher education is a critical driver of national development and economic growth. “Education is the backbone of our progress as a nation. By making university education free, we will empower every Ghanaian youth to achieve their potential and contribute meaningfully to our society,” he stated.
Dr. Adutwum, who served as Education Minister from 2021 to 2025, is credited with implementing significant reforms in Ghana’s education sector, including the expansion of the Free Senior High School (SHS) program. Building on this legacy, his new proposal aims to remove financial barriers to tertiary education, ensuring that qualified students from all socioeconomic backgrounds can pursue university degrees without the burden of tuition fees.
The former minister outlined that the policy would be funded through a combination of government revenue, public-private partnerships, and international grants. He also highlighted plans to improve infrastructure and resources at public universities to accommodate the expected increase in enrollment. “We will work tirelessly to ensure that quality is not compromised. Our universities must remain centers of excellence,” he added.
The announcement has received mixed reactions. Supporters, including student unions and education advocates, have hailed the proposal as a transformative step toward inclusivity. “This is a game-changer for young Ghanaians who dream of higher education but are held back by financial constraints,” said Ama Kwarteng, president of the National Union of Ghana Students.
However, critics have raised concerns about the feasibility of the plan, citing Ghana’s economic challenges and the high cost of implementing such a policy. Economist Dr. Kofi Mensah cautioned that “while the idea is noble, the government must provide a clear roadmap for sustainable funding to avoid straining the national budget.”
Dr. Adutwum, a prominent figure in the New Patriotic Party (NPP), is expected to formally declare his presidential candidacy in the coming months. His free university education pledge is likely to be a central pillar of his campaign as he seeks to appeal to young voters and education stakeholders.