In a landmark move toward promoting inclusion and equal opportunity, the Government of Ghana has officially introduced the Free Tertiary Education Policy for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) — a transformative initiative described by leaders as “not an act of charity, but a moral responsibility and an act of justice.”

The new policy marks another major step in Ghana’s ongoing commitment to building an inclusive society where all citizens, regardless of physical or financial limitations, can access quality education.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, President John Dramani Mahama said the initiative emphasised that behind the statistics of over two million Ghanaians living with disabilities are “real human stories of perseverance, talent, and dreams that deserve to be fulfilled.”

“Each student supported under this policy becomes an asset to our nation — their success will strengthen Ghana’s economy and enrich our collective humanity,” the statement noted.

The Free Tertiary Education for PWDs policy builds on the foundation laid by the Inclusive Education Policy introduced in 2015, which sought to integrate students with special needs into mainstream education.

The new initiative extends that vision to higher education, fulfilling a national pledge to make learning accessible to all.

Under the programme, the Student Loan Trust Fund (SLTF) — revamped and fully digitised to enhance transparency and efficiency — will spearhead implementation.

The policy will receive an annual budgetary support of GHS 50 million from the GETFund to ensure sustainability and timely disbursements.

According to the President, the fund will cover tuition and related educational costs for qualified students with disabilities in accredited tertiary institutions across Ghana.

The initiative has been widely praised by disability advocacy groups and educational stakeholders as a “game-changer” that will unlock opportunities for thousands of young Ghanaians.

“Our collective task is to ensure that no Ghanaian is denied the chance to learn, to work, and to serve because of disability. Together, we are building a Ghana that leaves no one behind,” the statement concluded.

The launch of the Free Tertiary Education for Persons with Disabilities reaffirms Ghana’s leadership in inclusive education reform and its broader commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities).