Mahama’s Free Tertiary Policy Targets Students with Disabilities
The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has called on members of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFDO) 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 Mr. Iddrisu revealed that his ministry through the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission is currently compiling data on persons with disabilities to ensure the effective implementation of this inclusive education initiative.
He reassured the Federation of the government’s full commitment to accessible and equitable education for all especially for persons living with disabilities adding that this effort forms part of President Mahama’s broader “resetting agenda” for national development.
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, Mr. Iddrisu stated.
To ensure the smooth rollout of the policy, Mr. Iddrisu announced the formation of a special implementation committee, which will be chaired by the Deputy Minister of Education, Clement Apaak. The committee will include:
• The Chief Executive Officer of the SLTF,
• The President of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations,
• Two additional members nominated by the Federation, with at least one being a woman.
This committee will be tasked with developing a clear roadmap for the implementation of free tertiary education for persons with disabilities across Ghana.
President of the Federation Joseph Atsu Homadzie expressed gratitude to the Minister and the government for prioritising disability inclusion in national education policies. He also called for increased investment in:
• Accessible infrastructure in schools,
• Assistive technologies for students with special needs,
• Introduction of sign language as part of the basic school curriculum.
The president will honour the spirit and letter of his pledge,” Mr. Iddrisu assured the Federation.
Mr. Homadzie further urged the government to fast-track the distribution of educational tools and devices to support learners with disabilities, adding that inclusive education is not a privilege but a right for all Ghanaian children.
This development marks a significant step toward bridging the educational gap for persons with disabilities in Ghana. With data collection already underway and the formation of a roadmap committee, stakeholders are optimistic that this inclusive policy championed by President Mahama and his team will soon become a reality, transforming lives and promoting equal opportunities in the tertiary education space.
The initiative stands as a major pillar in Ghana’s efforts to promote inclusive development, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education for All.