The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu has announced that more than 312,000 students have so far benefited from the government’s No Fees Stress Policy, with GHC888.8 million spent to support first-year tertiary students across the country.
Addressing Parliament on Thursday, June 18, the Minister disclosed that during the 2024/2025 academic year, a total of 152,698 validated first-year students received support under the policy at a cost of GHC399.4 million.
He added that for the ongoing 2025 academic year, 159,750 students have already benefited from the initiative, with government spending reaching GHC489.5 million.
According to the Minister, the combined total brings the number of beneficiaries under the No Fees Stress Policy to 312,448 students, with a cumulative expenditure of GHS888.8 million.
“Today, Mr. Speaker, 312, 448 students have been assisted under the No Fees Stress at a total cost of GHC888,831,000.
“This is what we have done to support young people desirous of accessing tertiary education,” he stated.
The Minister further revealed that the government is also expanding educational opportunities for persons with disabilities.
For the 2025/2026 academic year, 1,530 students with disabilities have received full tuition and residential support at a total cost of GHS9.84 million.
In addition, he announced reforms aimed at increasing access to legal education. Under the Students Loan Trust Fund Plus initiative, students pursuing law and professional legal education are now eligible for financial support.
The Minister revealed that a total of 1,332 law students have so far received full-fee coverage loans paid directly to their institutions. The beneficiaries include 610 students from the Ghana School of Law, marking the first time such support has been extended to students at the professional law training level.
The Minister said the interventions demonstrate the government’s commitment to removing financial barriers to higher education and ensuring that more young people can pursue their academic and professional ambitions.
