The government is set to present the long-awaited Scholarship Authority Bill to Parliament next week as part of efforts to end nepotism and political favouritism in the award of scholarships.
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu made the announcement during the launch of the government’s flagship “No Fees Stress Policy” initiative at the SDA College of Education in Koforidua on Friday.
The event, which was performed by President John Dramani Mahama, marked a significant milestone in the administration’s drive to expand equitable access to tertiary education.
Mr. Iddrisu said the upcoming bill would create a transparent and accountable legal framework for the administration of scholarships, ensuring that deserving and qualified students—rather than those with political connections—benefit from state support.
“In response to a major campaign commitment, I will next week, on your behalf and in honour of one of your campaign policies, lay before Parliament the Scholarship Authority Bill to deal with the nepotism and cronyism that was associated with the scholarship award scheme,” he declared.
The Minister also unveiled plans for a Presidential Scholarship Scheme, one of the education legacy projects of President Mahama. It will focus on supporting outstanding students in critical fields such as Science, Mathematics, and Engineering.
“So the President’s Scholarship for Scholarship would honour 10 brilliant students, determined and declared by the West African Examinations Council, as the overall best students in the country,” he announced.
“Then the President will then absorb them to benefit from his scholarship and to have his full tenure.”
Speaking about the newly launched “No Fees Stress Policy,” Mr. Iddrisu described President Mahama as a “fountain of honour,” saying the policy would directly benefit first-year students in public tertiary institutions nationwide.
“Today from that fountain, they will drink with the students in our first year tertiary public institutions across Ghana,” he said.
He further noted that the policy also extends to persons living with disabilities, whose full academic-related fees would be absorbed by the state. He indicated that a roadmap for the smooth disbursement of funds to this category of students is currently being developed in collaboration with the Chair of the Federation for Disabled People.
Mr. Iddrisu also announced a significant increase in financial support for tertiary students through the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund). “Next year, the GETFund will double its allocation to the Students Loan Trust from 70 million to 150 million to support students who may want to access it further,” he said.
The launch of the “No Fees Stress Policy” fulfills a major 2024 campaign promise made by President Mahama. The initiative aims to reduce financial barriers and improve enrolment rates across public tertiary institutions in Ghana by eliminating tuition fees for all first-year students.
The ceremony was graced by several dignitaries including the New Juabeng Manhene, Nana Kwaku Boateng III, and the New Juabenmanhemaa, Nana Juaben Serwaa III, signaling widespread traditional endorsement of the government’s education agenda.
