Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has announced government plans to introduce a new Scholarship Bill aimed at expanding the student loan scheme.

According to him, the initiative is designed to align scholarship support with Ghana’s strategic development priorities, particularly in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Addressing the new board of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), the Tamale South MP explained that the bill will identify and support the country’s most talented individuals in critical areas.

“I intend, guided by the present vision, to introduce a new scholarship bill in the country,” he stated.

The minister also cited former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan’s call—made during a ministerial cabinet retreat in Accra—for the nation to prioritise scholarships.

Alongside the scholarship bill, the government is also exploring the expansion of the student loan scheme to cover all disabled students, regardless of whether they attend public or private institutions.

“A fiscal assessment of this proposal is currently underway, and once completed, a decision will be made,” the minister concluded.

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Speaking in Accra during the inauguration of a 17-member Board of Trustees for the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), he said the bill aims to address cronyism and nepotism in the awarding of government scholarships.

“Apart from dealing with cronyism and nepotism and giving scholarships to those who are undeserving, the emphasis will be on meritocracy and helping our institutions build faculty,” he stated.

The Minister tasked the Board with ensuring substantial financing for the Free Senior High School (SHS) initiative and maintaining reliable food supplies for schools.

He urged the Board to align GETFund allocations with President Mahama’s research agenda for education, which seeks to train learners with 21st-century competencies, values, and aptitudes.

Mr Iddrisu emphasised the need to prioritise basic education funding as key to educational success.

“Ideally, I would say 35 per cent should go into basic education, 40 per cent into higher education, and 25 per cent into free SHS, on the condition that we still have some financial support from the Ministry of Finance,” he said.

He also directed the Board to address infrastructure challenges in secondary schools caused by increased enrolment under the Free SHS programme.

The Minister announced plans to support public universities in funding at least five PhD scholarships locally.

He further called for the completion of over 300 uncompleted GETFund projects to ensure value for money.

“We trust that this Board of Trustees will continue to support institutions of higher learning to expand and improve access, quality, and relevance of education,” he added, urging the Board to make budgetary provisions for emergencies in the education sector.

Mr Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, Chairman of the GETFund Board, expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in them and pledged to fulfil their mandate.

Board members include: Prof Ahmed Jinapor, Ghana Tertiary Education Commission; Prof Ernest Davis, Ghana Education Service; Mr Masawudu Mahama, Ministry of Finance; Rev Dr Cyril G.K. Fayose, Religious Bodies; and Mr Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, Ghana Revenue Authority.

Others are: Mr Paul Adjei, GETFund; Mrs Mamle Andrews, Ministry of Education; Mr John Awuah, Ghana Bankers Association; Mr Seth Kobla Aklasi, Ghana Insurers Association; Ms Patience Abla Ganyo, National Pensions Regulatory Authority; and Rev Prof John Frank Eshun, Technical Universities.

The rest are: Ms Philippa Larsen, Ghana National Association of Teachers; Mr Daniel Nii Botchway, National Union of Ghana Students; Ms Grace Amey-Obeng, Association of Ghana Industries; Madam Francisca Atuluk, National Council on Women and Development; and Mr Alexander Frimpong, Ghana Employers’ Association.

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