CenPOA has argued that free education should stop at the SHS level, not Tertiary
The Center for Public Opinion and Awareness (CenPOA) has rejected Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu’s proposal to allocate 2.5% of Ghana’s oil revenue to support the NDC’s “No Fees Stress” tertiary education policy.
CenPOA described the plan as a “misplaced priority,” warning that it could divert critical resources away from foundational education and jeopardise infrastructure at the basic and secondary school levels.
“CenPOA respectfully disagrees with this proposal and considers it a misplaced priority at this stage of Ghana’s development. While education remains a cornerstone of national progress, it is the view of CenPOA that the government’s obligation to provide free education should reasonably extend only up to the Senior High School (SHS) level,” the group said.
Avoid serving party interest – Mahama told
In its September 8, 2025, press release, CenPOA stressed that free education should reasonably end at the SHS level, with tertiary education considered optional.
“Tertiary education, on the other hand, should remain optional and primarily supported by individuals, with government providing targeted scholarships and interventions only where resources allow. At present, Ghana continues to grapple with challenges such as schools operating under trees, infrastructural deficits at the basic level, and the sustainability of the Free SHS programme itself,” the statement noted.
The group urged government to channel oil revenue into “sustainable industrial investment” and “job creation,” arguing that economic growth would naturally expand access to tertiary education in a more stable and long-term way.
“Diverting scarce oil revenues to fund tertiary education under the ‘No Fees Stress’ initiative risks worsening these pressing concerns. CenPOA views this proposal more as a populist promise aimed at electoral gains than as a deliberate, pragmatic policy for long-term national development. Rather than channelling vital oil revenues into free tertiary education, CenPOA believes the government should prioritise investing in sustainable industries and job creation,” the statement concluded.
The minister’s proposal comes amid growing concern over funding for the “No Fees Stress” initiative, with stakeholders warning that relying solely on GETFund will be insufficient.
ID/MA
GhanaWeb’s latest documentary, Sex for Fish, that explores the plights of teenage girls in coastal communities, all in an attempt to survive, is out. Watch it below:
