Koforidua: The Government is set to present the Scholarship Authority Bill to Parliament next week, aiming to address nepotism and cronyism in the scholarship award process. Education Minister Mr. Haruna Iddrisu made this announcement at the launch of the ‘No Fees Stress Policy’ initiative, held at the SDA College of Education in Koforidua.

According to Ghana News Agency, the initiative was launched by President John Dramani Mahama as part of the government’s flagship education program. Mr. Iddrisu highlighted that one of President Mahama’s key legacies will be the President’s Scholarship, which aims to reward outstanding students in critical fields such as Science, Mathematics, and Engineering. The scholarship will honor ten students, recognized by the West African Examinations Council as the top performers in the country, who will benefit from full tenure under the President’s Scholarship.

The ‘No Fees Stress Policy’ initiative, as emphasized by Mr. Iddrisu, fulfills a campaign promise made by President M
ahama to the people of Ghana. The policy ensures that students in their first year at public tertiary institutions across the nation will receive free tuition. Furthermore, the policy extends to individuals with disabilities, with guaranteed full fee payment.

The Minister mentioned that efforts are underway, led by his Deputy and the Chair of the Federation for Disabled People, to establish a roadmap for the effective implementation of the disbursement to students. Additionally, next academic year, the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) plans to increase its allocation to the Student Loan Trust from 70 million to 150 million, providing further support for students seeking financial assistance.

The ‘No Fees Stress Policy’ is designed to boost enrollment in the country’s tertiary institutions, aligning with government efforts to make higher education more accessible. The launch event was attended by New Juabeng Manhene Nana Kwaku Boateng III and New Juabenmanhemaa Nana Juaben Serwaa III.