In a groundbreaking move to promote educational inclusivity, the Ghanaian government has announced the introduction of free tertiary education for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in public institutions, beginning in 2025. This initiative, outlined in the 2025 Budget Statement, aims to ease financial burdens and ensure equal access to higher education for all.
Presenting the budget in Parliament, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson highlighted the government’s commitment to expanding educational opportunities, particularly for marginalized groups. He noted that the policy will be financed through the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), ensuring sustainable funding for both free senior high school education and tuition-free tertiary education for PWDs.
“Mr. Speaker, the overarching concern about free secondary education has been its quality and the absence of a dedicated source of funding. H.E. President John Mahama has resolved the funding challenge by uncapping the GETFund. This makes available dedicated funds for the full financing of free secondary education and free tertiary education for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs),” Dr. Forson stated.
The policy covers tuition fees for all eligible PWDs enrolled in public universities, colleges, and technical institutions, marking a significant step towards reducing educational disparities. While many have welcomed the initiative as a progressive step towards inclusivity, advocacy groups have urged the government to complement the policy with additional measures, such as improving campus accessibility, investing in assistive learning technologies, and providing financial support for other academic-related expenses.
This development reinforces Ghana’s commitment to inclusive education and equal opportunities, ensuring that PWDs can pursue higher education and contribute meaningfully to national growth and development.
