President John Dramani Mahama has launched the Free Tertiary Education for Persons with Disability to uphold inclusivity and ensure that every individual is involved in Ghana’s development.
President Mahama earlier this year, made the promise to provide free tertiary education for persons with disability during his State of the Nation Address on 27 February 2025. In the speech, he introduced the “No-Fee Stress” policy, which would remove admission fees for all tertiary students and waive tuition fees entirely for qualified persons with disability (PWDs)
The President, speaking at the launch held at the College of Education in Accra appreciated the efforts of all stakeholders in making this ambition a reality. He added that tertiary education is a highly important level of education and therefore must be given to every individual – disability or not. “Today, we gather to mark a new and defining moment in Ghana’s journey towards inclusion and equality. The launch of the Free Tertiary Education for Persons with Disabilities initiative which is under the theme, ‘Disability not Inability: Advancing Inclusive Access to Higher Education Under the Reset Agenda.”
He touted the initiative as “an activation of our national conscience and our sense of equity of justice.” He noted that PWDs as vulnerable individuals of this nation also deserve opportunities that involve them in nation building and development of the nation.
Head of Tertiary Institutions in Ghana, Dr. Samuel Awinkene Atintono acknowledged the efforts of the government and President Mahama- who he described as the “legacy and generational president” for the unwavering support extended to the sect of individuals who in many cases have been stigmatized and neglected. “A little over a year ago you stood here before our students and the youth of Ghana sharing your vision, policies and manifesto promises with great passion. Today it is both fulfilling and inspiring to see that in less than a year of your Presidency, you have returned, not to campaign but to implement one of the very commitment you made to our brothers and sister living with disabilities.”
President Mahama’s policy will support Persons with Disability (PWDs) with grants, covering tuition and admission fees across all accredited institutions. The policy aims to promote inclusion, reduce financial burdens, and expand access to higher education. It also encourages schools to improve accessibility and support services for PWDs.
