The Chief Executive Officer of the Students Loan Trust Fund (SLTF), Dr. Saajida Shiraz, has declared that President John Dramani Mahama has fulfilled every promise made under the No Fees Stress initiative, describing the implementation as a testament to leadership with impact.
Speaking at the official launch of the policy at the SDA College of Education in Koforidua on Friday, July 4, Dr. Shiraz highlighted the significant progress made so far, including the timely disbursement of student loans, validation of beneficiaries, and rollout of supporting mechanisms.
“When President Mahama promised a No Fees Stress initiative for students, what he left un-echoed was that he was simply transferring the stress related to fees unto himself and his government,” Dr. Shiraz said. “This policy has moved from manifesto promise to government policy, and now to actualisation.”
She affirmed that under the direction of the Ministry of Education, the SLTF has worked closely with key stakeholders including Vice Chancellors Ghana, Technical Universities, Colleges of Education, and Health Training Institutions to ensure the effective implementation of the programme.
According to Dr. Shiraz, as of the day of launch, a total of 148,429 students had accessed the No Fees Stress portal, with 124,338 successfully completing their applications. Enrolment data for over 135,000 students had been received, and 49,956 had already been validated for reimbursement.
READ: Over 15,000 students already covered under ‘No Fees Stress’ policy – Mahama
“In the coming days, we hope to validate more students and process reimbursements timeously,” she assured.
Dr. Shiraz also noted that the SLTF has, for the first time in four years, commenced payment of second semester loans, reaching 19,703 students across 135 tertiary institutions, in addition to disbursing first semester loans to 38,440 students earlier this year.
“A revamped Students Loan Trust Fund which ensures prompt disbursements to students was a No Fees Stress promise. Forgive my immodesty, but I am happy to announce that this promise has been delivered,” she stated confidently.
She credited the GETFund Administrator, Mr. Paul Adjei, for supporting the vision and prioritising funds that have enabled the Fund to meet its mandate to students.
On the broader agenda, Dr. Shiraz confirmed that the SLTF was also preparing to roll out the Student Loan Plus initiative at the beginning of the 2025/2026 academic year, as well as operationalise free tertiary education for persons with disabilities, both key components of the No Fees Stress policy.
“We assure you, Mr. President, that no element of your vision of an enhanced tertiary education financing regime will go unfulfilled,” Dr. Shiraz said, expressing gratitude for the trust placed in her leadership.
The No Fees Stress policy is a government-led intervention aimed at removing financial barriers to tertiary education by covering academic fees for first-year students in public institutions, improving access to loans for continuing students, and offering expanded support for trainee teachers, nurses, and persons with disabilities.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
