GOVERNMENT'S 15% FEE INCREMENT RAISES CONCERNS AMONG WORKING STUDENTS


The parliament of Ghana’s announcement of a 15% increase in fees for tertiary education has sparked a debate among students.

The decision was made to generate additional revenue for educational institutions, but many working students are concerned about the financial burden they will now face.


A picture of the 15% increment of tertiary fees approved by parliament IMAGE SOURCE:GRAPHIC ONLINE


The fee increment, which applies to public universities, has drawn criticism from various quarters, particularly from students who rely on part-time jobs to support their education. 


Working students already face numerous challenges balancing their studies and employment, and this additional financial burden threatens to worsen their situation.


One main concern raised by working students is the impact on their ability to cover basic expenses.


NAFTI News spoke to some working students to gauge their concerns about the effects of the fee increment. 


              A Level 200 student of UniMAC-NAFTI and a mother discusses the impact of the 15% increase in tertiary fees (Studio III).


Elizabeth Amoah is a second-year broadcast journalism student at NAFTI. 


The 15% increment is a blow for her. She says, “as a single mother taking care of her child, the fee increment has really disturbed her because she has to cover her own fees, her child's fees, and many other expenses”.


    Students of UniMAC-NAFTI going about their duties (Studio II).                     


Moreover, some working students at NAFTI also share their concerns about the fee increment, saying, “the fee increment was tough for me because, I gave birth less than a month, and I received the message of the fee increment”.Instantly, a lot of things went through my mind on how to buy diapers, feed my baby, and cater to my daily expenses as well as school”



Another working student at NAFTI says, “the increment has affected me to the extent that I borrowed the fees from someone. Now I have to work more to earn the money to settle my debt, which has left me struggling”.


  Elizabeth Amoah, a Level 200 student of UniMAC-NAFTI pleads for alternatives regarding the fees


However, Elizabeth Amoah pleads that “if there are other alternatives to help students fund their fees, the school's authorities should provide assistance.Otherwise , she will not have the ability to complete her degree within the expected timeframe”.


George Tagoe, the Junior Assistant Registrar of NAFTI, discusses ways the institute helps students with fee payment or financial assistance.

The Junior Assistant Registrar of UniMAC-NAFTI discusses the issue of financial assistance from the institute


SALLY BORKETEY-LA · Junior Assistant Registrar  of UniMAC-Nafti


   Isaac Asante, an assistant accountant at UniMAC-NAFTI shares other ways that helps students to raise  funds their fees


The Assistant Accountant of NAFTI, Isaac Asante, also shares other alternatives that can help students raise funds for fees in such situations. He says, “there are several ways students can raise extra funding for the payment of their fees.One major alternative, apart from the Student's Loan Trust Fund is, sponsorship packages available online and many listed ways to help raise extra funds for fees”.


He continues to say, “the Netflix scholarship package is available at NAFTI for students to register.therefore, as students, you need to go out there and search for other alternatives.”



   Students of UniMAC-NAFTI going about their assigned duties on Campus (Studio I)

The increased financial strain has disrupted the delicate balance between work and studies, possibly hindering academic progress.


Above all, Through hard work and determination these students have been able to find alternative sources of income to help pay for their education.


It is our hope as students that the government and other stakeholders will continue to work towards making education more accessible and affordable for all students in Ghana, regardless of their financial background.                        

LEVEL 300 ONLINE PRODUCTION BY SALLY BORKRTEY-LA 300




 

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