More students benefited under Mahama gov’t than previous 20 years combined – SLTF CEO

Dr Saajida Shiraz, CEO of the Student Loan Trust Fund (SLTF), has reported that more students have benefited from government's student support initiatives under the Mahama administration than the total number supported over the previous 20 years of the Fund's existence. Speaking on JoyNews' The Pulse, she credited the success to the increased emphasis on tertiary education financing and the expansion of support programs for students.

Dr Shiraz stated that more students have benefited under this government than in the previous 20 years, emphasizing the significant impact of the Mahama administration on student support. The SLTF has disbursed GH¢210 million in enhanced student loans to 59,300 students this year alone, reflecting the government's dedication to meeting the demands for student loans.

The support extends beyond traditional loans with the Student Loan Plus initiative, which has benefited 1,997 students, including 626 pursuing legal education at the Ghana School of Law, with fees covered directly by the government. Additionally, GH¢10 million was allocated to support disabled students, covering tuition and residential expenses.

The CEO also highlighted the no-academic-fee policy as the largest expenditure, allocating approximately GH¢916 million for the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 academic years, benefiting 152,000 students in the first year and 169,000 students in the current year. Dr Shiraz mentioned that a few students are still undergoing data verification due to record discrepancies with the National Identification Authority, a necessary step to ensure only eligible beneficiaries receive public funds.