The Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, has officially sworn in the new board members of the Students Loan Trust Fund (SLTF), marking a renewed push to provide adequate financing to tertiary education through responsible and responsive student financing.

The brief ceremony brought together education stakeholders and representatives from various sectors.

In his address, the Minister of Education highlighted the critical role of the SLTF in helping Ghanaian students complete their education without being overwhelmed by financial barriers and reiterated the government’s commitment to increasing the allocation of funds.

The 13-member board is expected to bring fresh perspectives and stronger oversight to the Trust Fund’s operations. Leading the board is Cynthia Amerley Amarteifio, who now takes on the role of Chairperson.

She’s joined by a dynamic team, each with a unique background and expertise:

• Dr Emmanuel Newman, representative of the Ministry of Education
• Agyemang Mohammed, representative from the Social and National Insurance Trust.
• Abubakari Abdul Karim, a representative of recognised students' associations of accredited tertiary institutions.
• Alhassan Sualihu Dandaawa, representative of the Ghana Education Trust Fund
• Prof. Afishata Mohammed Abujaja, representative of the National Council for Tertiary Education.
• Eric Sewonu Adadevoh, representative of the Ghana Employers Association
• Musah Abdallah, a professional with specialist experience in investment and financial management.
• Charlotte Otuwa Odum, a government representative.
• Richard Kwadwo Nyarko, a government representative.
• Janet A. Anore, a government representative.
• Richard Ansah Gyambiby, representative from the Attorney General's office.
• Dr. Saajida Shiraz, the Chief Executive Officer of the Students Loan Trust Fund.

In her acceptance speech, the chairperson, Cynthia Amerley Amarteifio expressed her gratitude for the trust placed in the team, assuring the public of the board’s commitment to transparency, innovation, and service.

She said “We recognise the weight of the trust that has been placed upon us. At SLTF, where the mission is to provide timely financial services and unleash greater prospects for our youth, we see a noble calling: to bridge the gap between potential and opportunity, and to be stewards of national transformation by upholding the ideals of integrity, innovation, and inclusiveness that the Fund stands for.”

The Students Loan Trust Fund has supported thousands of students over the years, helping bridge the gap between ambition and access. With this new board in place, expectations are high, but so is the hope that the Fund will continue to evolve, serve, and empower.