Accra, Ghana – Former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor Ernest Aryeetey, has called on the Ghanaian government to revise its free first-year tertiary education policy to better serve students with genuine financial need. He emphasized the importance of equity in educational support, encouraging the authorities to identify and prioritize students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Speaking on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at the 20th-anniversary celebration of the University of Ghana's Students Financial Aid Office (SFAO), Prof. Aryeetey highlighted the necessity of refining the current policy framework. He advocated for a shift from blanket support to a targeted model that ensures resources are directed to students who truly require financial assistance.

According to Prof. Aryeetey, the government must "identify the needy and support them under the 'No-Fees-Stress-Policy.'" He stressed that such an approach would not only maximize the impact of public spending on education but also promote fairness and inclusivity within the tertiary education system.

The event marked two decades of the SFAO's commitment to assisting students in need, andand Prof. Aryeetey’s message resonated with stakeholders seeking sustainable strategies to support higher education in Ghana.