Minister of Education Haruna Iddrisu has called for bold reforms to make financial aid in higher education more equitable, data-driven, and inclusive.
Speaking at the 20th Anniversary celebration of the University of Ghana’s Students Financial Aid Office (SFAO), the minister emphasised the urgent need to expand access and improve how financial aid is administered.
”This celebration is about one of the most urgent and transformative goals in education—ensuring equity, broadening access, and improving the administration of aid in our higher education system,” he said.
The minister further called attention to geographic and socioeconomic disparities in accessing quality education, saying, “No student, due to geography or their financial background, or that of their parents, should be denied access to equitable, inclusive, and quality education.”
He also highlighted the importance of a national dialogue on education policy, referencing the National Education Review Conference as a platform for strategic reflection and planning.
”I envisage that we would have an education review implementation committee, which will assess the outcomes and recommendations for implementation—to improve access, equity, and quality, and more importantly, inclusive education,” he noted.
In what he described as a first in the country, Hon. Iddrisu announced plans to conduct a national means test to improve fairness in the allocation of government aid. The initiative will be carried out in collaboration with the Ghana Statistical Service and Emeritus Prof. Ernest Aryeetey.
“I intend to conduct a means test in Ghana for the first time, so we can undertake this exercise with evidence-based research and recommendations on who deserves what and who qualifies for government aid and support,” he said.
The week-long celebration drew donors, beneficiaries, and stakeholders to honour the SFAO’s work in supporting financially needy students since its inception. Among the guests was former SRC President Frank Tsikata, who spoke about the office’s impact over the years.
Panel discussions explored sustainable models of financial aid and the contributions of religious institutions, individuals, and corporations such as Gold Fields to tertiary education support.
The event was graced by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, former Vice-Chancellor Emeritus Prof. Ernest Aryeetey, and other dignitaries.
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Story by Edward Chika Ahiakwo | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Michelle Lartey
