Kwasi Kwarteng: Exposing the inconsistencies in NDC’s promise on no academic fees for first-year students

Page 97 of the NDC’s 2024 Campaign Manifesto boldly promises a “No-Academic-Fees” policy for all first-year students in public tertiary institutions.

However, Dr. Clement Apaak, a prominent member of the NDC and the immediate past ranking member of the Education Committee in Parliament, contradicts this position by stating that the proposed free tuition for first-year students will not be mandatory.

This glaring inconsistency raises serious questions about the clarity, feasibility, and sincerity of this promise.

On one hand, the manifesto outlines a universal policy designed to ease the financial burden on first-year students and their parents. On the other hand, Dr. Apaak’s comments suggest a selective or conditional approach, which undermines the credibility of the promise.

Politicians must be both measured and transparent in their campaign promises. Overpromising without a clear commitment to follow through is a betrayal of the electorate’s trust.

If such a basic promise is already being diluted, one has to wonder how the proposed 24-hour economy policy will fare under this same government.

The writer, Kwasi Kwarteng, ESQ is a private legal practitioner and former spokesperson the Ministry of Education.