Professor Peter Boamah, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the Bolgatanga Technical University (BTU), has advised first-year students across the country to take advantage of the Government’s No-Fee-Stress policy and acquire the needed knowledge and skills to graduate as valuable contributors to Ghana’s socio-economic development.
Professor Boamah gave the advice at the weekend while delivering a speech on behalf of Professor Samuel Alnaa, the Vice-Chancellor, at the University’s 24th matriculation ceremony.
A total of 1,856 students were formally admitted to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across the University’s six academic schools.
In 2025, President John Dramani Mahama launched “Ghana’s No Fee Stress policy” as a nationwide education strategic initiative aimed at removing upfront academic fee barriers for first year students admitted to public tertiary institutions including technical universities, colleges of education, and nursing training institutions.
The policy fulfils government’s commitment to equitable access to higher education, grounded in the constitutional mandate under Article 38(3) of the 1992 Constitution, which obliges the state to promote equal access to university or equivalent education for all Ghanaians without discrimination.
Professor Boamah explained that the No-Fee-Stress policy was part of the Government’s strategic intervention to reposition technical universities as the backbone of Ghana’s industrialisation agenda.
The policy, he said, not only supported fresh entrants into tertiary institutions, including Persons with Disabilities, but also enabled them to focus fully on their studies without the burden of tuition fees, ensuring they graduated as self-reliant, industry-ready graduates.
“This policy gives you the opportunity to develop your skills and contribute meaningfully to your communities, the nation, and beyond,” Professor Boamah said, urging students to take full advantage of the initiative.
He stressed that technical universities played critical role in equipping students with specialised skills needed to drive industrial modernisation and economic growth in Ghana.
He announced that in line with Government efforts to enhance technical education, BTU had expanded its academic portfolio for the 2025/2026 academic year with the introduction of several new programmes.
He mentioned some of the programmes such as including Master of Technology degrees in Hospitality Management and Construction Management, Master of Science degrees in Financial Engineering and Business Management and Enterprise Leadership, Master of Technology in Accounting Technology, Bachelor of Technology in Renewable Energy Engineering, and diplomas in Renewable Energy Engineering, Graphic Communication/Communication Design, and Furniture Design.
Professor Boamah said the programmes, in addition to the University’s existing academic offerings, were intended to equip students with relevant skills to meet evolving industry demands.
He encouraged pioneer students in the new programmes to uphold high academic and ethical standards that would serve as a legacy for future cohorts.
Touching on student welfare, Professor Boamah assured students that the University was actively engaging private investors to expand on-campus accommodation to ease the challenges associated with off-campus housing.
He also urged students to maintain focus on their studies and guard against negative peer influences that could derail their academic progress.
Mr Richard Atia, the Acting Registrar of the University administered the oath of matriculation to the students and urged them to abide by its principles throughout their stay on campus.
He cautioned that Management of the University would not hesitate to apply appropriate sanctions against any student who violated the oath, stressing that the principles enshrined in it were meant for the students’ own good.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali/Linda Asante Agyei
Feb. 02, 2026
Photo caption: BLG EDUCATION SCHOOL FEES
