The President of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD), Mr. Joseph Atsu Homadzi, has said that the launch of the Free Tertiary Education for Persons with Disabilities marks a new dawn of hope for thousands of students with disabilities across the country.
Speaking on the Channel One Newsroom on Friday, October 24, Mr. Homadzi said the initiative will not only remove one of the biggest financial barriers faced by students with disabilities but also empower them to contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s development.
He noted that, for many years, students with disabilities had struggled to pay admission and tuition fees, forcing some to abandon their education altogether.
“Usually, when there is admission, our people struggle to pay because of financial difficulties. We sometimes have to move from one radio station to another, begging for funds,” Mr. Homadzi recounted.
He praised the government for honouring its manifesto promise, describing the initiative as a major step toward equal opportunity and inclusion.
“The manifesto promise of the NDC has been fulfilled today. We are really grateful to His Excellency the President and the entire government for making this a reality,” he said.
Under the policy, the government will provide free tertiary education for all qualified persons with disabilities through a revamped and digitalised Students Loan Trust Fund (SLTF). The new framework aims to ensure transparency, efficiency, and sustainability while consolidating existing disability scholarships into a single, accessible scheme.
President John Dramani Mahama, who launched the programme, said it represents an act of justice and equality rather than charity, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to fairness and inclusion.
Mr. Homadzi commended this approach, saying it aligns with the Federation’s long-standing advocacy for equal access to education and opportunity.
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