Government has reimbursed 120,000 first-year students in public universities under the new ‘No Fee Stress’ policy, Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has announced.
Speaking at the final session of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology’s (KNUST) 59th Special Congregation in Kumasi, the Vice President said the initiative reflects government’s commitment to reducing longstanding financial barriers to higher education. According to her, the policy is already proving effective.
“Through policies such as Free Tertiary Education for Persons with Disabilities and the ‘No Fees Stress’ initiative for Level 100 students, we are working to reduce structural barriers and extend opportunity to all. Already, over 120,000 students have benefitted from these programmes—clear evidence of our resolve to build an inclusive, equitable, and future-ready system of education,” she said.
The Vice President commended KNUST for its contributions to national development, describing the institution as “a centre of innovation, inquiry, and aspiration.” She stressed that research must have meaningful impact on society, noting that “knowledge must serve humanity; that is its highest purpose.”
Addressing the PhD graduates, the Vice President reminded them of their important role in shaping the country’s future. She said a higher degree comes with higher expectations and responsibilities, urging them to lead with clarity and integrity. “You are now custodians of knowledge and drivers of innovation; the nation looks to you to help shape the progress we seek,” she said.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang congratulated all graduates and award recipients, stating that their achievements enrich the nation and their future contributions will help shape Ghana’s destiny.
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who chaired the event, praised government for allocating 40 million Ghana cedis in the 2026 budget, as well as securing an additional 39 million dollars, to complete and equip the KNUST Teaching Hospital. He also cautioned individuals and traditional leaders against encroaching on lands belonging to the university.
Vice Chancellor Professor Rita Akosua Dickson highlighted the university’s recent achievements in research, innovation, and global partnerships. She reaffirmed KNUST’s commitment to producing graduates capable of contributing to Ghana’s development.
The ceremony, which marked the final session of the university’s 59th Congregation, also conferred degrees on 221 new PhD graduates, including 66 women. Several distinguished personalities and institutions were honoured for their contributions to the university and the nation.
They included former Minister of State Hackman Owusu-Agyemang, Professor Victoria Pearl Dzogbefia—the first woman to graduate with First Class Honours at KNUST—and the Volta River Authority.
