Gov�t Hasn't Decided To Force Utility Bills On Students - Ablakwa

A Deputy Minister of Education in charge of tertiary, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwah has rejected claims that government will make students of tertiary institutions pay their own utility bills.

Mr Ablakwa disclosed this in an interview with Citi News on the sidelines of the Campus Connect program in Accra on Wednesday.

The Deputy Minister called for calm at the various tertiary institutions saying government is yet to take a decision on the matter based on the UPSA declaration.

The UPSA declaration provided a roadmap for cost sharing between the government and tertiary institutions for the payment of utility bills.

The declaration also sought to make students in tertiary institutions pay utility fees.

University students across the country are up in arms against government over a decision to make them pay their utility bills.

Mr Ablakwa maintained that, “the UPSA declaration remains the recommendation from stakeholders. As it is now, those are recommendations. Government is yet to consider those recommendations contained in the UPSA declaration. The status quo remains. It is important that all our stakeholders remain calm until such a time that Government considers the recommendation that have come from the UPSA dialogue on utilities. Cabinet is yet to consider the UPSA declaration so there is no basis of agitation at this point.”

When Will The UPSA Declaration Be Implemented?

Answering a question on when the recommendations will be implemented, the Deputy Minister of Education called for patience since the report is yet to be taken to cabinet for deliberations.

He further explained that “for now, everything is possible, because the Ministry of Education does not control the Government`s timetable. We do not know if when the report and the declaration will be tabled at cabinet for consideration. And what will be the outcome. So there is no need for anybody to rush to any conclusion at this point in time. We need to wait for Governments position.”