In a move to curb nepotism and cronyism in scholarship distribution, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has announced that the Scholarship Authority Bill will be laid before Parliament next week.
Speaking at the launch of the government’s No Fees Stress Policy at the SDA College of Education in Koforidua, Mr. Iddrisu explained that the bill seeks to streamline scholarship awards and establish a transparent, merit-based framework for beneficiaries.
He added that one of President John Dramani Mahama’s lasting legacies would be the President’s Scholarship, dedicated to top-performing students in critical fields like Science, Mathematics, and Engineering.
“Ten brilliant students identified by WAEC as the best nationwide will be honoured and sponsored by the President throughout his tenure,” the Minister said.
The No Fees Stress Policy, launched by President Mahama during the event, fulfills a key campaign promise to expand access to tertiary education. It waives tuition fees for all first-year students in public tertiary institutions.
According to Mr. Iddrisu, the initiative also extends to students with disabilities, with full fee coverage guaranteed. The Education Ministry is currently collaborating with the Federation of Disabled People to finalize a disbursement roadmap.
He also revealed that in the next academic year, GETFund will double its allocation to the Student Loan Trust Fund from GH₵70 million to GH₵150 million to enhance financial support for students.
The event was attended by traditional leaders, including New Juabenmanhene Nana Kwaku Boateng III and New Juabenmanhemaa Nana Juaben Serwaa III.
