Government expands free tertiary education to include PWDs

The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has called on members of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations to register with the Students Loan Trust Fund (SLTF) in order to benefit from the free tertiary education policy promised by President John Dramani Mahama.

Speaking during a meeting with the leadership of the federation, Iddrisu stated that the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission, is currently collecting data on Persons with Disabilities to support the effective implementation of the inclusive education policy.

He assured government’s commitment to providing accessible and equitable education for all, stating that the initiative is in line with President Mahama’s broader resetting agenda.

“The best of John Mahama is ahead of us and not behind us. To measure John Dramani Mahama, let’s measure him today and in the future. The president is committed to ensuring accessible and equitable education for all,” he said.

According to myjoyonline.com report on June 3, 2025, the federation had urged the minister to follow up on President Mahama’s campaign promise to introduce inclusive education programmes that cater specifically to students with disabilities.

In response, Iddrisu assured the group that, “The president will honour the spirit and letter of his pledge.”

As part of efforts to operationalise the policy, the minister announced the formation of a committee to develop a roadmap for implementing free tertiary education for Persons with Disabilities.

The committee will be chaired by Deputy Minister of Education, Dr Clement Apaak; and include the SLTF Chief Executive Officer, the President of the Ghana Federation of Disability, and two additional representatives nominated by the federation, including at least one woman.

President of the Federation, Joseph Atsu Homadzie, expressed appreciation for the government’s continued support but also highlighted areas that require urgent attention.

He called for increased investment in accessible infrastructure and assistive technologies to enhance educational outcomes for Persons with Disabilities.

Homadzie also reiterated the need for the introduction of sign language education at the basic school level, another key pledge made by President Mahama, and requested timely delivery of tools and devices to support learners with special needs.

The meeting forms part of ongoing stakeholder consultations aimed at fulfilling the government’s inclusive education agenda.

MRA/AE

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