Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, the Vice President, says the government is reshaping Ghana’s tertiary education landscape through the introduction of high-level policy interventions.
Speaking at the 59th Congregation of Post-graduate Students of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, she highlighted the “No Fees Stress” policy, which removes financial barriers for first-year students in public tertiary institutions. The policy took effect in the 2025/2026 academic year.
The ceremony, attended by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene and Chancellor of KNUST, saw 221 post-graduate students awarded Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees for their dedication and impactful research.
Prof Opoku-Agyemang also outlined the government’s introduction of Free Tertiary Education for Persons with Disability, rolled out in October this year. She said the initiative expands access to higher education for persons with disabilities who gain admission into accredited public institutions.
According to her, the policy represents an important act of justice for students with disabilities and forms part of deliberate measures to ensure transparency and equity in admissions.
“This is an equity-driven intervention, designed to ensure that admissions to our tertiary institutions are determined as much as possible by merit and also by aspiration,” she said.
She added that both interventions would help strengthen Ghana’s human capital development by broadening opportunities for capable students from all backgrounds.
Prof Opoku-Agyemang stressed that scholarships must be tied to real-world impact, not confined to lecture halls and laboratories.
Commending the graduating students for their achievements, she urged them to uphold the responsibilities that come with their academic laurels.
She noted that Ghana and the African continent needed leadership grounded in resourcefulness, ethics, data, and public value.
Whether graduates remained in academia, joined public service, or ventured into entrepreneurship, she said their ability to think clearly and act responsibly would be essential.
“Do not forget that your families, communities and nation have not invested in your education for your benefit alone. Remember them and maintain your academic humility,” she advised.
