Former Education Minister and Member of Parliament for Bosomtwe, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, has pledged to introduce free university education in Ghana if elected president.

Speaking as an aspirant in the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential primaries, Dr Adutwum said the policy would ensure equitable access to higher education and empower the next generation to contribute meaningfully to national development.

According to Dr Adutwum, the time has come for Ghana to remove financial barriers that prevent brilliant but needy students from pursuing tertiary education.

“Education is the greatest equaliser, and no Ghanaian child should be denied the opportunity to attend university simply because of poverty,” he stated.

“Under my leadership, tertiary education will not be a privilege for a few but a right for all.”

The former Minister emphasised that his plan for free university education would be implemented progressively, starting with public universities and prioritising science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programmes.

He noted that the initiative would be funded through efficient resource allocation, improved revenue mobilisation, and partnerships with the private sector.

“We can achieve this if we manage our resources better and make education a true national priority,” he added.

Dr Adutwum, who is widely credited for advancing STEM education during his tenure as Education Minister, said his vision was to build a knowledge-based economy that could compete globally.

“Ghana’s development depends on how well we invest in our human capital. I have the experience, the vision, and the will to make education truly transformative,” he said.

“Free university education will be the next bold step in continuing the legacy of the Free SHS policy.”