The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has launched the ‘No Fees Stress Policy Portal’, a digital gateway designed to facilitate seamless access to tertiary education funding for Ghanaian students to eliminate financial barriers to higher education.
The launch formed part of the inauguration ceremony for the newly constituted Board of Trustees of the Students Loan Trust Fund (SLTF), the agency responsible for implementing the policy.
In his remarks, the minister urged the Board to apply their expertise and exceptional credentials to effectively steer the affairs of the Fund.
According to Iddrisu, the No Fees Stress Policy seeks to remove admission, registration, academic user, and facility fees for first-year students in both public and private tertiary institutions.
He also described the portal as a “game-changer” in the government’s broader mission to democratize access to tertiary education.
On her part, the Chief Executive Officer of the SLTF, Dr Saajida Shiraz, explained that the system was designed to ensure transparency, speed, and accessibility.
She emphasized that the Fund has deployed robust systems, modern digital infrastructure, and engaged in extensive stakeholder consultations with the National Identification Authority (NIA), the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS), and other relevant bodies to ensure a smooth rollout.
Dr Shiraz added that strategic partnerships with tertiary institutions, real-time verification mechanisms, and an efficient disbursement model have been instituted to guarantee timely access and accountability.
The Chairperson governing Board, Cynthia Amerley Amarteifio, also expressed appreciation to the minister for the trust reposed in the new Board and affirmed their commitment to uphold excellence and integrity in the administration of the Fund.
The No Fees Stress Portal is now live and accessible at www.nofeesstress.sltf.gov.gh.
AM/KA
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