Dr Peter Anti Partey warns public universities face monetary pressure from price freeze, behind schedule venture building – Life Pulse Daily

By Life Pulse Daily | Updated: January 6, 2026

Introduction

Ghana’s public universities are navigating a financial storm, according to Dr. Peter Anti Partey, Government Director of IFEST Ghana. In a recent address, Dr. Partey highlighted the dual pressures of delayed government funding and a tuition fee freeze for the 2025/2026 academic year. These challenges threaten the sustainability of higher education institutions, affecting infrastructure, staffing, and the quality of education. This article explores the root causes, consequences, and potential solutions to ensure the resilience of Ghana’s tertiary education system.

Key Points

Background

Ghana’s public universities operate under a mixed funding model that includes government subventions, statutory transfers, internally generated funds (IGFs), and limited external sources. Historically, government subventions have been the backbone of university finances, covering staff salaries and a portion of operational costs. However, delays in the release of these funds have forced institutions to rely more heavily on IGFs, which are primarily derived from tuition fees and other income-generating activities.

The situation has been exacerbated by the recent freeze on tuition fees for the 2025/2026 academic year. This freeze, intended to protect students from rising costs, has inadvertently strained university budgets. The delay in parliamentary approval of the 2025/2026 fee schedules under the Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2022, has left universities operating under outdated fee structures, reducing their real revenue.

Analysis

The Funding Gap and Its Consequences

Dr. Partey explained that when government subventions are delayed, universities must cover essential operations through IGFs. However, IGFs are not designed to fund all operational needs, particularly non-salary expenses such as maintenance, teaching materials, and ICT infrastructure. This mismatch creates a funding gap that institutions struggle to bridge.

The consequences of this gap are evident in the deteriorating state of university facilities. Overcrowded classrooms, under-resourced laboratories, and deferred maintenance projects are becoming common. These conditions not only hinder the learning experience but also affect the institutions’ ability to attract and retain qualified staff.

The Impact of Tuition Fee Freezes

The tuition fee freeze, while well-intentioned, has had unintended consequences. By maintaining 2024/2025 fee levels for the 2025/2026 academic year, the real value of university revenues has been eroded. Inflation and rising operational costs mean that the same fee generates less purchasing power, limiting universities’ ability to invest in quality education.

Moreover, the freeze has created uncertainty for university administrators, who must plan budgets without knowing future revenue streams. This uncertainty hampers long-term planning and strategic investments in infrastructure and academic programs.

The Challenge of Broad-Based Subsidies

Dr. Partey also criticized broad-based fee subsidy policies, such as the No Fees Stress initiative. While these programs aim to increase access to higher education, they spread limited resources across all students, including those who can afford to pay. This approach leaves universities undercompensated for the revenue they forego, further straining their finances.

The expert recommended a shift towards targeted student financing, focusing support on low-income families, students with disabilities, and those in high-cost but strategically important programs. This approach would ensure that limited resources are used efficiently and equitably.

Practical Advice

For Policymakers

1. Ensure Timely Funding: Establish a predictable schedule for the release of government subventions to reduce financial uncertainty for universities.
2. Streamline Fee Approval: Expedite the parliamentary approval process for fee schedules to align with academic planning cycles.
3. Implement Targeted Subsidies: Design financial aid programs that focus on students with the greatest need, rather than blanket subsidies.
4. Enhance Transparency: Improve monitoring and evaluation of university finances to ensure efficient use of resources.

For University Administrators

1. Diversify Revenue Streams: Explore alternative income sources such as partnerships with industry, research grants, and entrepreneurial ventures.
2. Optimize Resource Allocation: Prioritize spending on critical infrastructure and academic programs to maximize impact.
3. Engage Stakeholders: Foster dialogue with government, students, and faculty to develop sustainable financial strategies.
4. Invest in Technology: Leverage digital tools to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs.

For Students and Parents

1. Understand Financial Challenges: Recognize the financial pressures universities face and support initiatives that promote sustainability.
2. Advocate for Targeted Support: Encourage policies that provide financial aid to those who need it most.
3. Participate in Decision-Making: Engage in university governance processes to influence financial planning and priorities.

FAQ

Conclusion

The financial challenges facing Ghana’s public universities are complex but not insurmountable. By addressing delays in government funding, implementing predictable fee regulation, and adopting targeted student support policies, stakeholders can ensure the resilience and quality of the higher education system. Dr. Peter Anti Partey’s warnings serve as a call to action for policymakers, university administrators, and the broader community to collaborate on sustainable solutions. The future of Ghana’s tertiary education depends on timely and strategic interventions that balance accessibility with financial viability.

Sources

1. Dr. Peter Anti Partey, Government Director of IFEST Ghana, Address on University Funding Challenges, January 2026.
2. Ghana Education Trust Fund Reports, 2025.
3. Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2022.
4. Ministry of Education, Ghana, Annual Budget Statements, 2025/2026.
5. World Bank, Ghana Higher Education Sector Analysis, 2024.