The acting Chief Executive Officer of the Students Loan Trust Fund (SLTF), Dr Saajida Shiraz, has made an impassioned call for increased public and private support to bolster funding for higher education in Ghana, describing it as a shared national responsibility.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Monday, May 26, Dr Shiraz welcomed early economic progress under the new National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration but was quick to stress that such gains must be leveraged to invest in the country’s youth.

“We’ve seen the magic the government has worked in the first few months of the new NDC administration,” she said.

“If we can bring the cedi down from 16 to 12 or 11, I trust that there are savings that can be made to fund education.”

Dr Shiraz emphasised that education should rank among the highest priorities of any government but noted that achieving sustainable financing would require support beyond state funding alone.

“It would be a missed opportunity not to appeal to people who want to donate to us,” she stated.

“Our Act mandates us to receive money from GETFund and a percentage of the Communication Service Tax, as well as loan repayments. But it also gives us the authority to accept donations from philanthropists, international partners, and local partners,” she continued.

In a direct appeal to potential donors, Dr Shiraz assured that all contributions would be used transparently and for the sole purpose of funding higher education for Ghanaian students.

“Some of it is tax deductible, so if you have money to give us, we will be happy to highlight it very positively,” she said. “You have our word that it will go towards funding higher education in Ghana.”

The SLTF has long been a critical pillar in ensuring access to tertiary education for students who may otherwise be unable to afford it. However, the growing demand for loans continues to outpace available resources, making the need for additional funding ever more urgent.

Dr Shiraz’s remarks signal a broader effort by the SLTF to mobilise alternative sources of funding while promoting a culture of shared responsibility for education.

“If we are to prioritise and centre the education of our youth, we should be able to find the money,” she noted.