Ghana’s Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, has presented six significant policy updates under President John Dramani Mahama’s education agenda, reinforcing government’s commitment to a modern, inclusive, and student-centred educational system.
Speaking during a mid-year press briefing held on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at the Jubilee House, the Minister highlighted wide-ranging reforms covering digital access to tertiary education, support for vulnerable groups, improved welfare for Senior High School students, and enhanced academic research.
- “No-Fee-Stress” Portal Eases Tertiary Application Process
Minister Iddrisu reported that 129,000 students have already accessed the new “No-Fee-Stress” digital platform, designed to streamline tertiary education applications and financial support processes.
The portal aims to eliminate bottlenecks such as long queues and payment delays, allowing parents and students to apply, upload documents, and seek scholarship support seamlessly.
“This innovation is saving time and easing stress for thousands of Ghanaian families,” the Minister said.
- GH₵7 Million Allocated to Support Students with Disabilities
In a major boost for inclusive education, the government has earmarked GH₵7 million to cover the academic fees of tertiary students living with disabilities.
Mr. Iddrisu emphasized that the initiative aligns with the government’s vision of leaving no learner behind.
“This is a sign of deliberate inclusivity,” he stated, urging institutions to prioritize access and learning resources for students with special needs.
- Sanitary Pad Policy Now Supports Local Production
The Free Sanitary Pad Policy, which aims to tackle menstrual-related absenteeism among schoolgirls, has received a strategic shift.
Going forward, all sanitary pads distributed under the program must be procured locally.
The Minister also disclosed that government is reviewing a proposal to set up a sanitary pad production unit within the Ghana Prisons Service, which will help reduce costs and create jobs.
“No imports whatsoever. We are empowering local industries while supporting our girls,” Mr. Iddrisu stated.
- Government Secures SHS Feeding with GH₵600 Million Disbursement
To address growing concerns over food shortages and delayed supplies in some public schools, the government has released GH₵600 million over the past six months to fund the feeding program for Senior High Schools.
This is expected to stabilize school kitchens across the country and ensure students are adequately nourished while pursuing their studies.
- Establishment of a National Research Fund
To strengthen research and academic development, the Ministry of Education has launched a National Research Fund, with an initial GH₵50 million released by the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund).
The fund is expected to boost innovation, scientific studies, and intellectual contributions from Ghanaian tertiary institutions.
“We want to make Ghana a hub for homegrown academic solutions,” the Minister noted.
- Over 2,000 Stakeholder Proposals Shaping Education Policy
Mr. Iddrisu revealed that a recent National Education Forum attracted widespread participation, leading to over 2,000 reform proposals from educationists, parents, students, and development partners.
He said these proposals are under review and will guide the Ministry’s long-term policy planning and implementation strategy.
These updates, according to the Education Minister, are not isolated interventions but part of a broader effort to build a responsive, inclusive, and resilient education system in Ghana under President Mahama’s renewed vision.
He called on stakeholders, including Parliament, civil society, and development partners, to collaborate in delivering lasting transformation in Ghana’s education sector.