A passionate appeal to His Excellency the President of Ghana

A government may not be able to make every citizen rich. But, with political will and responsible leadership, a government can help create a society of opportunities and empowerment for every citizen, and I know no better way to do so but through access to education (Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo)

I want to cease this moment to express my heartfelt appreciation to the NPP government led by His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo (President of the Republic of Ghana).

Just within nine (9) months in office, the people of Ghana have indeed felt the change we voted for. At least if nothing at all, for implementing Free SHS program, Launching of one district one factory, Restoration of paperless system at the port, Rolling out the Ghana card, Restoration of teacher trainees allowances, Restoration of nursing training allowances etc.

We have also been told recently that very soon, government will launch one student, one chocolate to boost the consumption of local product. All these policies within the nine (9) months in office *indicate* that Ghana is really working again. But I believe strongly that, to whom much is given, much is also expected. It appears we the students in the Universities have been sidelined for so long a time. And I think it’s about time your government also came to our aid.

I'm glad you've the ultimate vision as the President of the Republic of Ghana to strengthen the education sector to make it attractive to the ordinary Ghanaian and enviable to the world at large.

Gone were the days when parents could afford taking their wards through university education, but what are we seeing today? It has now become a hassle of the past. The cost of university education nowadays has been a major challenge to parents thereby demotivating them to send their wards to school. Students who drop out of school as a result of not been able to afford the gargantuan fees in most cases joined the unemployed association and are tempted to engage in social vices like armed robbery, prostitution, scammers and to mention a few.

To set the record straight, we are aware that very soon our sister schools (Training colleges and Nursing training to be precise) would be receiving monthly allowances from day one till they complete. In addition to that, we are also aware that their jobs are guaranteed right after their stay on campus.

Drawing a line between students who find themselves in universities and our sister schools we could realise that students in the universities pay gargantuan fees each year. Payment of hall dues, SRC dues, Departmental dues, Hostel fees, Books is no exception for us. Admission fees are being increased exponentially each year, and not to talk of sale of forms.

This is not to say that we are not happy for our sisters and brothers who find themselves in the various institutions. But what we want to put across is that, "whatever is good for the gander is also good for the goose." We feel cheated for government to not consider us in his planning.

In view of that, we are calling on government to also attend to our needs. We would appreciate greatly if your government as part of it budget come 2018 could cater for allowances each year to be given to all final year students who find themselves in the universities to cover up some expenses in the course of carrying out their project work. I believe strongly that, if this policy is implemented, it will go a long way to reduce the burden most students go through before they graduate and to the extreme reduce the burden our parents encounter when it’s due for us to graduate.

We know that your government is a listening government and can do everything possible to resolve the trend.

Long live His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo Long live NPP Long live UEW

Writer: Solomon Solari Sarpong (A Concerned Student of UEW) Email : Solomonsarpong6@gmail.com 0248982495.