Dr Saajida Shiraz, acting Chief Executive Officer of the Student Loan Trust Fund (SLTF), has lauded President John Dramani Mahama and key stakeholders for their collective efforts in launching the transformative ‘No Fees Stress’ policy on 4 July 2025 in Koforidua.

The flagship initiative waives academic user fees for all first-year students at public tertiary institutions, fulfilling a major campaign promise and supporting Mahama’s broader ‘Reset Ghana’ agenda aimed at reducing financial hurdles for vulnerable households.

In a statement on Facebook dated 8 July, Dr Shiraz said the launch “presented a platform for the President to reiterate his commitment to alleviating the stress related to fees for Ghanaian tertiary students, and for students to express their joy about the actualisation of this impactful policy.”

She praised the energy on campus, describing it as “contagious, and … the pick me up we needed to continue to do our work of providing timely financial resources to tertiary students in Ghana.”

Dr Shiraz expressed gratitude to President Mahama “for the trust and the prioritisation of our work at SLTF.”

Speaking at the official launch, President Mahama reaffirmed that “no student will be denied tertiary education over fees,” and called on tertiary institutions to implement the policy “with transparency, compassion, and excellence”.

The SLTF’s own data indicates strong early uptake: “nearly 130,000 students had registered online by mid-June, with over 100,000 completing the application process,” and “at least 19,503 students have received reimbursements”.

Dr Shiraz extended her appreciation to other key players, including Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Education, along with Ministry officials, for their “leadership and technical support.”

She also mentioned Dr Callistus Mahama, Stan Xoese Dogbe, Felix Kwakye Ofosu and Hajia Shamima Muslim for their roles in the launch event.

She also thanked heads of tertiary institutions, the National Union of Ghana Students, the SLTF Consultative and Technical Committee members, GCB Bank, SDA College of Education, SLTF board and staff, and other stakeholders for their partnership.

The ‘No Fees Stress’ policy also emphasises inclusivity, extending benefits to students living with physical challenges.

This policy marks a significant step toward equitable access to tertiary education in Ghana, empowering the youth by eliminating one of their greatest financial barriers.

Dr Shiraz’s commendations underscore the collaborative spirit and motivation needed to ensure the policy reaches its full potential.