The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Student Loan Trust Fund (SLTF), Dr Hajia Saajida Shiraz, has reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to revitalising the Fund, as outlined in its manifesto.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on May 26, Dr Shiraz said, “As it stands now, the government is committed and has shown its commitment.”

Reflecting on the state of the SLTF before her appointment, she highlighted numerous challenges.

She explained, “Before I came into the Student Loan Trust Fund three years ago, the Fund wasn’t doing too well. Three years consecutively, we approved students whom we were unable to provide funding for. I think because of that, the Student Loan Trust Fund suffered some reputational issues.”

Since assuming office, Dr Shiraz explained that the SLTF has adopted a deliberate and focused approach to loan disbursement.

She added, “What we have done since I have come in is to be intentional about the loan disbursement.”

Offering an update on recent progress, she noted, “As of the time I sit here, we have cleared loans for almost all first-semester students. I say ‘almost’ because some people are still applying in real time. First-semester loans have been cleared, and we are prepared to roll out second-semester disbursements.”

Dr Shiraz emphasised the strong support the SLTF continues to receive from government officials, saying, “We are working, and we have the backing of government and the word of the ministers involved that whatever funding is necessary for us to carry out this important work, they will make it available to us.”

She concluded with confidence in the government’s dedication, saying, “So, I am very convinced that our government is committed to revamping the Student Loan Trust Fund as contained in the manifesto and to improving tertiary education finance.”

The Students Loan Trust Fund provides financial assistance to Ghanaian students pursuing tertiary education and is partly funded by government allocations from the GETFund and the Communication Service Tax, as well as loan repayments.