Gov’t moves to curb scholarship bias with new Bill

The Government is set to present the Scholarship Authority Bill to Parliament next week in a bold move to combat nepotism and favouritism in the distribution of scholarships across the country.

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu announced at the official launch of the "No Fees Stress Policy" at the SDA College of Education in Koforidua, Eastern Region. 

The ceremony was graced by President John Dramani Mahama, who performed the formal launch of the policy.

According to the Minister, the upcoming bill is aimed at reforming scholarship administration to ensure transparency, fairness, and merit-based selection. A key feature of the initiative will be the President’s Scholarship, designed to recognize the top 10 students in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering, as determined by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).

“The President will fully sponsor these students throughout their academic journey. This will be one of the lasting legacies of President Mahama,” Mr. Iddrisu noted.

The “No Fees Stress Policy” fulfills a major campaign promise by the President and aims to eliminate financial barriers to higher education. It guarantees free tuition for all first-year students in public tertiary institutions, significantly easing the cost burden on families.

The policy also makes special provision for persons with disabilities, with full fee waivers guaranteed by the President. A roadmap for effective disbursement is currently being developed in collaboration with the Deputy Education Minister and the Chair of the Federation for Disabled People.

Looking ahead, the Minister revealed that the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) will double its allocation to the Student Loan Trust from GHS 70 million to GHS 150 million in the next academic year, enabling more students to access financial support if needed.

The launch event was attended by notable traditional leaders including Nana Kwaku Boateng III, the Omanhene of New Juabeng, and Nana Juaben Serwaa III, the Queenmother of New Juabenman.

The combined efforts of the new bill and the tuition-free policy signal a transformative shift in Ghana’s education sector, placing equity, access, and merit at the forefront of the government’s agenda.