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🇬🇭 Ghana /Culture & Society

Ghana MPs question high distance education fees

From Daily Graphic · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • A parliamentary committee in Ghana has raised concerns about the excessively high fees charged for distance education programs at universities.
  • Committee members urged the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) to investigate the disparity between distance and regular program fees, noting it's higher in Ghana than elsewhere.
  • Concerns were also raised about the relevance of some university programs and their guarantee of employment for graduates, prompting calls for program ranking.

A member of Ghana's Parliamentary Select Committee on Education has voiced significant concern over the exorbitant fees associated with university distance education programs. Dr. Fred Kyei Asamoah called on the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) to thoroughly investigate the matter.

Dr. Asamoah highlighted that the fees for distance learning are disproportionately high compared to regular on-campus programs. He noted this trend is contrary to practices in other jurisdictions, where distance education is often more affordable. "This issue of disparity between the distance programmes and the regular programmes is way expensive, while in other jurisdictions, it is the other way round," he observed.

This issue of disparity between the distance programmes and the regular programmes is way expensive, while in other jurisdictions, it is the other way round

— Dr Fred Kyei AsamoahA member of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Education expressed concern about the high cost of distance education programs.

Other committee members echoed these concerns, suggesting that universities might be exploiting the expansion of tertiary education to adults by charging undue fees. The committee also questioned the relevance of certain programs offered by universities, with Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum expressing worry that some degrees do not guarantee employment for graduates.

Do the ranking so that people don't continue to live on their past glory

— Dr Yaw Osei AdutwumA committee member suggested ranking universities to ensure program relevance and job market competitiveness.

Dr. Adutwum proposed that GTEC seek funding from development partners to implement a program ranking system for universities. He believes that allowing society to judge universities based on their program relevance and job market outcomes would encourage institutions to maintain their academic standards and avoid relying on past reputations. "Do the ranking so that people don't continue to live on their past glory," he urged.

Professor Ahmed Jinapor, Director-General of GTEC, clarified that the commission does not control the fees charged for distance education programs, as these are considered private arrangements. The committee's visit aimed to understand GTEC's operations and gather insights to inform policy decisions for improving educational outcomes in Ghana.

the very transformation of Ghana depends on what happens in this institution.

— Dr Yaw Osei AdutwumA committee member emphasized the crucial role of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission in national development.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Daily Graphic in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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