The Fees as Covid-19 Relief and the call for a reduction in tertiary fees continues as the motion raised in parliament hangs in the balance.
Student leaders in Ghan’s tertiary institutions have expressed anger over the opposition of some government functionaries to the motion for the absorption of tertiary fees.
Fees as Covid-19 Relief and Hon. Mahama Ayariga’s Motion
The motion on the need to absorb fees of students was tabled on the floor of Parliament by Borku Central, Hon. Mahama Ayariga.
The Bawku Central MP called for the government to absorb fees of public tertiary students as a Covid-19 relief package.
However, other lawmakers and ministers, and other government functionaries have counter suggestions.
For them, there is no need for the fees to be absorbed because parents have not complained about not being able to pay their Ward’s fees.
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Fees as Covid-19 Relief, Studen leaders take
In a news item by Starr FM an Accra-based radio station monitored by this portal, it indicated that former Minister of State in charge of Tertiary Education, Prof. Kwesi Yanka argued that no complaints have emanated from parents indicating they can not pay the fees.
A student and member of the KNUST student Parliament, Mamud Abdul Walui Kabori reacting to the posture of those kicking against the motion said it was unfortunate for some leaders to think contrary to the motion and feel everything is fine with parents and students.
He added that, there were many students who had not paid their fees and that the seriousness of the challenges students and parents are facing to pay fees will be clear the moment tertiary institutions begin to demand fees.
Kabori furthered that, the fact that students have not initiated demonstrations or hit the street; they are not on air talking about their inability to pay the fees should not be misconstrued to mean all is well.
“This is an unfortunate, unfounded conclusion and on any day that is not the reality on the ground…What we know is that we have a silent majority who are weeping inwardly” he said.
He believes the motion for the government to absorb fees of tertiary students is an urgent call that demands and urgent action.
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Shooting down the motion for the government to absorb some portions of their fees must not be given serious attention and thought.
Student leadership has therefore called on the government to expedite action and Parliament should accept the motion and act swiftly.
Source: Ghanaeducation.org