Brigadier General Nunoo Mensah (Rtd), former Chief of Defence Staff, has sharply criticised the National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration’s proposal to offer free tuition for first-year tertiary students, calling it a “waste of money” and an unnecessary expense.

Speaking at a stakeholder engagement event at O’Reilly Senior High School on January 15, Mensah argued that tertiary education should not be financed by the government but by parents who can afford it. “Why should we pay for them? What is the point of tertiary education if they’re just going to graduate and roam the streets of Accra looking for jobs?” he said. “It’s not necessary.”

He also voiced his intention to personally address his concerns to President John Dramani Mahama. “I’m going to tell President Mahama it’s not necessary, but they won’t listen to me because they are politicians, and I’m not,” Mensah remarked.

In addition to his criticism of free tertiary tuition, Mensah expressed discontent with the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy, which he described as deeply flawed. He suggested a more targeted approach, where wealthier parents pay for their children’s education, while scholarships are provided for those from low-income families.

“It’s a wrong policy,” Mensah said. “They should have encouraged parents to pay. Those who cannot afford it should apply for scholarships.” He further highlighted the challenges of the universal approach, such as food shortages and resource constraints in schools.

Source:TheDotNews