Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has presented key updates on the implementation of President John Dramani Mahama’s education reforms at a mid-year performance briefing with the media on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at the Jubilee House.
Below are six critical highlights from his presentation:
Stakeholder-Driven Reform:
The Minister revealed that the recently held National Education Forum attracted overwhelming participation, with over 2,000 reform proposals submitted by stakeholders. These suggestions, he said, are actively shaping the Ministry’s long-term policy direction.
No-Fee-Stress Portal Usage Surges:
Mr. Iddrisu announced that 129,000 student applicants have accessed the new “No-Fee-Stress” digital platform, which is designed to simplify tertiary application and financial support processes. He emphasized that the platform is easing stress for thousands of students and parents alike.
Support for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs):
The Minister disclosed that government has allocated GHS 7 million to pay the fees of tertiary students with disabilities, underscoring a renewed commitment to inclusive education.
Free Sanitary Pad Policy Gets Local Boost:
The MP for Tamale South also stated that all sanitary pads distributed under the Free Sanitary Pad policy must be procured locally. “No imports whatsoever,” he declared. A proposal is also under review to establish a sanitary pad manufacturing facility within the Prisons Service to create jobs and ensure sustained supply.
Feeding for SHS Students Secured:
Addressing concerns about student welfare, Mr. Iddrisu said the government has disbursed GHS 600 million over the last six months to cover feeding costs for students in Senior High Schools nationwide.
Boost for Research in Tertiary Institutions:
Finally, the Minister announced the establishment of a National Research Fund, with an initial GHS 50 million disbursed by the GETFund. The move aims to strengthen academic research capacity across Ghana’s universities.
These updates, the Minister said, reflect the government’s commitment to delivering a holistic, inclusive, and forward-looking education system in the country.