Education Minister: Colleges of Education Can’t Be Upgraded While Still Receiving Free Meals

The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has called for a careful review of government funding policies concerning students in colleges of education, especially with the impending implementation of the ‘No Fee Stress’ policy. Speaking at the inauguration of the councils of colleges of education in Accra on August 21, 2025, the Minister raised concerns about the risk of overlapping financial support that could place a significant strain on the education budget.

The ‘No Fee Stress’ initiative, which is set to be introduced for first-year students in tertiary institutions, aims to eliminate tuition fees and reduce the financial burden on young learners. However, Minister Iddrisu pointed out a potential challenge: students in colleges of education who already receive teacher training allowances might end up benefiting twice — through the new policy and their existing stipends.

“We cannot continue to elevate colleges of education while still facing challenges related to feeding students,” the Minister stated, emphasizing the need for a national dialogue on this issue. He noted that the government must find ways to avoid duplication in financial support to ensure resources are efficiently utilized.

The Minister explained that a student receiving an allowance ranging from 400 to 500 cedis monthly, while also benefiting from the ‘No Fee Stress’ policy, presents a complex scenario that requires thoughtful consideration. “We have to look closely at this to prevent overlaps that could undermine the overall funding strategy,” he added.

Despite these concerns, Minister Iddrisu praised the ‘No Fee Stress’ policy, describing it as one of the most impactful educational initiatives introduced by President Nana Akufo-Addo’s administration since he took office. He expressed optimism about the policy’s ability to significantly enhance access to tertiary education and reduce financial barriers for students.

Looking forward, the Minister suggested that funding for the ‘No Fee Stress’ policy could potentially be sourced from Ghana’s oil revenues, ensuring sustainable financing for the initiative. He also advocated for the establishment of a scholarship and bursary authority that would further support human capital development across the country.

Beyond student allowances, Minister Iddrisu addressed other pressing financial concerns within the education sector, particularly the growing costs associated with paying book and research allowances to lecturers in tertiary institutions. These allowances have become a major financial commitment for the government.

Last year, the government allocated approximately 31 million cedis to cover book and research allowances for 46 colleges of education. This year, the budget for these allowances has more than tripled, with over 100 million cedis earmarked for the sector. “This illustrates the financial burden the government is shouldering to support academic staff in their research and professional development,” the Minister explained.

He also highlighted the broader tertiary education space, where spending on book and research allowances increased from 428 million cedis last year to a projected 712 million cedis in the current fiscal year. These figures underscore the increasing investment in higher education infrastructure and faculty development.

In addition to funding issues, the Minister announced government’s commitment to addressing infrastructural deficits across tertiary institutions. He revealed that more than 400 million cedis have been allocated to complete stalled projects, a move aimed at improving facilities and expanding access for students.

Furthermore, Minister Iddrisu unveiled plans to integrate three additional colleges of education into the national system. These include the Savannah College of Education and the Ghana Moslem Mission College, among others. He tasked the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) Director-General with fast-tracking the process to enable greater access and expanded educational opportunities.

“I recognize the infrastructural challenges faced by many colleges of education,” he noted. “In response, GTEC has set aside 410 million cedis to complete all stalled projects in tertiary institutions this year.”

The Minister’s statements highlight the complex balancing act required to elevate the status of colleges of education while managing limited public resources. As the government moves to implement the ‘No Fee Stress’ policy, it will be essential to conduct inclusive discussions with stakeholders to create sustainable funding frameworks that support both students and institutions effectively.