University of Ghana Fees: Deputy Minister Assures Refunds for Overpayments

Introduction

Thousands of students at the University of Ghana (UG) have been seeking clarity regarding unexpected increases in their academic charges for the 2025/2026 academic year. In a significant development, the Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, has stepped in to address these concerns. He has provided a firm assurance to students who paid fees exceeding the official caps that they will not lose their money. This intervention follows intense scrutiny from the student body and parliamentary committees, aiming to restore confidence in the tertiary education fee structure.

Understanding the nuances of tertiary education fees and the fee refund process is crucial for affected students. This article breaks down the Minister’s statement, the role of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), and the specific fee components involved. We will explore the background of the fee hikes, analyze the government’s response, and provide practical steps for students awaiting their refunds.

Key Points

Background

The controversy began when the University of Ghana released provisional fee schedules for the upcoming academic session. Many students, both fresh and continuing, noticed significant spikes in the total amount payable. This caused widespread anxiety and protests, as students feared that the financial burden had increased beyond what was previously communicated by the government and educational authorities.

Students took their grievances to the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament, prompting the appearance of the Deputy Minister for Education. The core of the issue lay in the discrepancy between the provisional schedules—which included various levies—and the official government directive on fee charging.

The Role of GTEC

The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) is the regulatory body responsible for standardizing and supervising tertiary education in Ghana. To quell the rising tensions, GTEC issued an official statement clarifying the fee structure. They emphasized that the Academic Facility User Fee had not been increased, attributing the confusion to auxiliary levies that were not part of the core tuition fee.

Analysis

Dr. Clement Apaak’s statement before Parliament serves as a crucial intervention. By explicitly stating that “Any student who made payments above and beyond what we have communicated… will receive a refund,” the Ministry is establishing a safety net for students. This move protects students from financial loss due to administrative confusion or unauthorized fee hikes by university associations.

Source of the Fee Hikes

According to the Deputy Minister, the sharp increases noticed in provisional schedules were largely driven by levies imposed by student governance bodies. Specifically, the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) and the Graduate Students’ Association of Ghana (GRASAG) were identified as sources of these additional charges, intended to fund their respective activities. While student associations are permitted to levy dues, the recent confusion arose because these were seemingly integrated into the mandatory academic fees without clear separation or prior authorization that aligned with government policy.

Government Stance on Financial Accessibility

The decision to keep the Academic Facility User Fee unchanged is a strategic move to “ease financial pressure on students.” This aligns with broader government policy to make tertiary education accessible. By intervening directly, the Ministry is signaling that fee regulation is strict and that unauthorized increases will be rectified.

Practical Advice

If you are a student at the University of Ghana who has paid fees for the 2025/2026 academic year, here are the steps you should take to ensure your financial matters are resolved:

1. Monitor Your Academic Records

Keep a close watch on your student portal or account statement. The Deputy Minister indicated that reversals (refunds) or credits (offsetting the overpayment against future dues) should begin appearing by the end of the current week or early next week.

2. Verify the Amounts

Compare your payment receipt against the officially approved fee structure released by GTEC. This will help you confirm if you indeed overpaid. The breakdown should include:

• Academic Facility User Fee (Unchanged)
• SRC Dues: GH₵50
• SRC Development Levy: GH₵150
• GRASAG Development Levy: GH₵250
• Telecel Broadband Levy: GH₵122
• 75th Anniversary Levy: GH₵100 (One-off)

3. Report Discrepancies Immediately

If, by the end of the following week, you do not see the necessary adjustments on your academic record, you are advised to report the issue. Dr. Apaak has instructed students to inform the Ministry if the refunds are not processed within the stated timeframe so that they can alert GTEC to intervene.

FAQ

Conclusion

The assurance provided by Deputy Minister Clement Apaak is a welcome relief for the student community of the University of Ghana. It highlights the importance of regulatory oversight by GTEC and the Ministry of Education in protecting students from unauthorized financial exploitation. By clarifying the approved fee structure and guaranteeing the return of overpayments, the authorities have taken a decisive step toward maintaining transparency and trust in the tertiary education sector. Students are now advised to remain vigilant, monitor their accounts for the promised credits, and report any delays to ensure the process is completed smoothly.