The Chief Executive Officer of the Students Loan Trust Fund (SLTF), Dr Saajida Shiraz, says government has rolled out a landmark initiative to remove all financial barriers to tertiary education for persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Speaking at the launch of the Free Tertiary Education for Persons with Disabilities Policy at the Accra College of Education on October 24, 2025, Dr Saajida said the intervention affirms President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to inclusivity and equity in higher education.

According to her, the policy ensures that students with disabilities in public tertiary institutions will have their full academic fees paid directly to their schools, without any need to apply for support.

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"Institutions will instead submit a validated list of eligible beneficiaries through the SLTF’s portal. This initiative is a promise that government will walk alongside our students with disabilities, ensuring they pursue their academic goals without financial stress,” she explained.

Dr Saajida disclosed that since the launch of the broader No Fees Stress policy in July 2025, 142,440 first-year students have received fee reimbursements, including full fee coverage for all validated students with disabilities.

"Government has so far invested GH¢499.8 million into the No Fees Stress programme and an additional GH¢40 million into the disability component," she noted.

The SLTF CEO expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Education, tertiary institutions, and disability advocacy groups for shaping the policy and helping “insulate students with disabilities from the stress of fees.”

While marking the 20th anniversary of the student loan scheme this year, Dr Saajida appealed for support toward a modern, accessible headquarters for the SLTF to enhance student services.

She assured students with disabilities that the initiative represents a future “where disability is not inability,” urging them to seize opportunities and excel academically.

MA

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