Private University Students Petition Gov't

The Private University Students Association (PUSAG) has called for revision of some government policies and regulations they consider discriminatory and unfavorable to private tertiary institutions in the country.

PUSAG have requested 15% reduction in corporate tax paid by private universities and that 30% of the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFUND) should be allocated to private colleges.

They have also appealed to government to grant institutions, accredited ten years and more, autonomy to award their respective degree and diploma certificates.

Executives of the association in a petition to the President, the Education Minister, and the Parliamentary Select Committee on Education believe implementation of alternative procedures and policies of would lessen administrative and tuition cost of students.

Panlogo-Logodam Benjamin, president of the association, presenting a petition in Accra to Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Deputy Education Minister, stated that students in private institutions contributed taxes to the GETFUND but do not benefit therefore some resources should be allocated to the development of their institutions.

He said government decision to impose 25% corporate tax on colleges equates to double taxation as students in private institutions paid taxes indirectly to government.

He indicated that such a policy compounded efforts of their institutions to put in place requisite infrastructure to provide quality education.

“Government is taxing private university students and their families, and also taxing universities that are providing quality education to students. This naturally increases the cost of providing education to the youth. It reduces funds available for building campuses, purchase equipment, and award scholarships.” He said.

Mr. Panlogo-Logodam added that as long as private universities were affiliated to traditional universities, tuition fees of students would continue to increase hence authorities must hasten to allow institutions independence when they met requirements.

“We are calling for a fair treatment of private universities. We are seeking equal rights and access to the public purse now. The unfair and discriminatory practices are becoming unbearable. We have therefore decided to speak up and make our voices heard.” PUSAG said.

Mr. Ablakwa assured government would submit a written response to the demands of PUSAG in a week.

He said some of the issues raised were receiving attention however stakeholders concerned would be engaged in further dialogue to reach a compromise.