A high-level committee established by the Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, has commenced work on developing a comprehensive roadmap for the implementation of free tertiary education for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Ghana. The committee held its inaugural meeting on Friday, June 20, 2025, at the Ministry of Education (MoE) in Accra.
The committee is co-chaired by Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, and Mr. Joseph Atsu Hormadzi, National President of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations (GFD). Its mandate is to design a robust and inclusive policy framework that will ensure the successful rollout of the free tertiary education initiative for PWDs.
Delivering his opening remarks, Dr. Clement Apaak reaffirmed the government’s commitment to inclusive education in Ghana, emphasizing that the Ministry would work tirelessly to fulfill President John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s pledge to provide free tertiary education for persons with disabilities.
“This government is committed to removing all barriers to education. Ensuring access to tertiary education for PWDs is a matter of equity, justice, and national development,” Dr. Apaak said.
Speaking on behalf of the disability community, Mr. Hormadzi expressed heartfelt appreciation to the government for the initiative, highlighting the financial challenges PWDs face in accessing higher education.
“On behalf of the Board and all persons with disabilities, we extend our profound gratitude to His Excellency the President for this transformative initiative. It is historic and life-changing for students who are currently unable to afford university tuition,” he said.
He further noted that many PWDs are often unable to register for university courses due to financial constraints, making the policy a potential game-changer for equal access to education.
“We also thank the Hon. Minister and Deputy Minister for establishing this committee. We look forward to a transparent and inclusive process that results in real opportunities for our community,” he added.
Also present at the meeting was Dr. Saajida Shiraz, Chief Executive Officer of the Students’ Loan Trust Fund (SLTF), who delivered a presentation titled “Facilitating Access to Enhanced Tertiary Education Financing for Students with Disabilities.” Her presentation focused on how financing structures can be adapted to support the unique needs of PWDs.
The committee is expected to develop clear implementation modalities, including eligibility criteria, funding mechanisms, and institutional support systems. These efforts align with the government’s broader goal of promoting equal opportunities and building a more inclusive educational system.
As the committee’s work progresses, further stakeholder consultations and technical discussions will be held to ensure the final roadmap reflects the diverse needs and voices of Ghana’s disability community.
Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1MHz|Moses Apiah|Ghana
