Builsa South MP Dr. Clement Apaak has reaffirmed the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) commitment to delivering its Free- First-Year university tuition policy, emphasizing that the initiative remains a key promise of President John Dramani Mahama’s administration.

 Dr. Apaak clarified that the policy would not be mandatory, allowing parents and students who do not wish to benefit to opt out.

“That is an opinion. In any case, 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.

But as far as this is a manifesto promise made by John Mahama and the NDC to the people of Ghana, based on which we are now in government, we intend to carry it through,” he stated.

Dr. Apaak, a former Deputy Ranking Member of Parliament’s Education Committee, insisted that the NDC has no reason to renege on its promises, especially considering the strong electoral mandate given to the party.

“John Dramani Mahama and the NDC campaigned vehemently, and if for nothing at all, the magnitude of the NDC’s victory in terms of parliamentary seats and the gap between our candidate, now President, and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the former Vice -President, should be a testament that this, among many other worthy and accepted policies, accounted for the overwhelming support we have received,” he stated.

He further stressed that the government remains committed to easing the financial burden on students by covering tuition costs for First-Year students in public universities.

President Mahama first announced the policy during the launch of the NDC’s Youth Manifesto ahead of the 2024 elections, stating that it was designed to improve access to higher education, particularly for students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.

He gave this assurance while speaking in an interview with Accra-based Citi FM.