By: Kenneth Appiah Bani
Ghana has today taken a historic step toward promoting inclusive education with the official launch of the Free Tertiary Education for Persons with Disabilities Initiative a landmark government policy designed to ensure equal access to higher education for all citizens, regardless of physical or intellectual ability.
The launch ceremony took place at the Accra College of Education, under the auspices of the Ministry of Education and the Students Loan Trust Fund (SLTF). The event brought together key stakeholders from the education sector, disability advocacy groups, tertiary institutions, and government agencies, all united by a shared vision of educational equity.
Among the dignitaries who arrived for the ceremony were Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Education; Dr. Saajida Shiraz, Chief Executive Officer of the Students Loan Trust Fund; and Osman Ayariga, Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority.
The Free Tertiary Education for Persons with Disabilities Initiative seeks to provide tuition-free education for qualified persons with disabilities enrolled in accredited public tertiary institutions across Ghana. The program will cover tuition and other academic-related expenses while offering assistive learning devices, accessible infrastructure, and specialized support services to enhance academic success.
In a significant announcement during the event, Dr. Saajida Shiraz, CEO of the Students Loan Trust Fund, revealed that tertiary institutions will now submit the data of students with disabilities directly to the Students Loan Trust Fund, instead of requiring the students to do so themselves. She explained that this measure is intended to ease the administrative burden on students with disabilities and ensure a smooth, efficient process for identifying and supporting eligible beneficiaries.
“We want to remove every barrier including administrative ones that might discourage or delay a student with a disability from accessing this opportunity,” Dr. Shiraz said.
Also present was Osman Ayariga, CEO of the National Youth Authority, who commended the Ministry of Education and the SLTF for their proactive approach in promoting inclusive education. He emphasized that empowering young people with disabilities through education is essential to national development and equality.
The event is expected to be followed by an official address from Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Education, who will outline the government’s broader vision for inclusive and accessible tertiary education across the country.
This initiative represents a bold and compassionate move toward an education system where no student is left behind.
Video credit:1957news
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