CDEPP commends free tertiary education initiative for PWDs
The Centre for Disability Entrepreneurship and Public Policy (CDEPP), a non-governmental organisation, has commended the government for introducing the Free Tertiary Education Initiative for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), describing it as a landmark intervention to promote inclusive education and social equity in Ghana.
The initiative, launched last month, seeks to fully cover tuition fees for persons with disabilities admitted into accredited public tertiary institutions across the country.
In a statement issued by the centre, CDEPP’s Founder and President, Andrew Nii Okaikoi, congratulated President John Dramani Mahama and the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, for their visionary leadership and commitment to empowering persons with disabilities through education.
Mr Okaikoi described the initiative as a major policy milestone that would help remove longstanding barriers to higher education for PWDs, thereby enhancing their ability to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Introduction
“The introduction of this policy demonstrates the government’s commitment to advancing the rights and opportunities of persons with disabilities,” the statement said.
CDEPP reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate with the Ministry of Education and other key stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation and sustainability of the initiative.
It added that the policy aligned perfectly with CDEPP’s mission to promote disability-inclusive development and advocate for the rights, empowerment and full participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of national life.
The organisation further said that the initiative reflected its vision of building a society in which persons with disabilities are empowered to live independent, productive and dignified lives.
CDEPP expressed confidence that the policy would not only transform the lives of Ghanaian students with disabilities but also serve as a model for other African countries seeking to advance inclusive education and social justice.
The centre commended President Mahama and the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, for their leadership and dedication to building a more equitable and inclusive society.
Context
The Free Tertiary Education Initiative forms part of a broader government effort to expand inclusive access to higher education.
It will provide financial support throughout the students’ academic journey and will be administered through a digitalised Students Loan Trust Fund (SLTF), financed by the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund).
