Mahama reaffirms commitment to inclusion with free tertiary for PWDs

President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to inclusive education with the launch of the Free Tertiary Education for Persons with Disabilities initiative in Accra on Friday.

The policy, described by the President as “a defining moment in Ghana’s journey toward inclusion and equality,” will cover the full tuition costs of all persons with disabilities admitted to accredited public tertiary institutions.

“This initiative is not an act of charity, it is an act of justice,” President Mahama declared. “It is a strategic investment in Ghana’s most valuable resource, our people.”

He explained that implementation will be managed by the revamped Students Loan Trust Fund, which has been modernised to ensure efficiency, transparency, and sustainability.

The policy, he said, fulfils a major campaign pledge and demonstrates the government’s determination to remove structural barriers that limit opportunities for persons with disabilities.

The President also announced complementary reforms aimed at strengthening Ghana’s disability rights framework. These include the introduction of the Persons with Disabilities (Amendment) Act and a Legislative Instrument* to modernise and enforce existing laws.

“Each student supported under this policy becomes an asset to the nation—a potential engineer, teacher, entrepreneur, or innovator,” he said. “Their success will strengthen Ghana’s economy and enrich our collective humanity.”

Beyond education, President Mahama outlined plans to establish district health and resource centres for early assessment and data collection, rehabilitation and vocational centres in all regions, and Disability Desks in every Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assembly.

He also announced a five percent employment quota for persons with disabilities across both public and private sectors, supported by tax incentives and workplace inclusion programmes.

President Mahama stressed that the launch marks Ghana’s firm commitment to building a society where opportunity, not disability, determines destiny.

He further revealed plans to build and upgrade rehabilitation centres in all regions to enhance physical recovery and expand vocational training opportunities.

“Every District Assembly and Municipal Assembly will establish a Disability Desk,” he said. “These Disability Desks will integrate disability issues into the Assemblies’ development planning.”

On employment, the President pledged to enforce a minimum 5% employment quota for persons with disabilities in both public and private institutions, noting that the measure will be backed by incentives.