Dr. Apaak urges students to borrow responsibly as SLTF expands to Northern Zone

Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, has urged students to borrow responsibly as the Students Loan Trust Fund expands operations to the northern zone.

Dr. Apaak made the call during the commissioning of the Northern Zonal Office of the Students Loan Trust Fund (SLTF) on February 16, 2026, describing the expansion as a strategic step to improve access to tertiary financing across the five northern regions.

He stressed that while the government is committed to widening access to higher education, the sustainability of the loan scheme depends heavily on repayment discipline.

“To our students: this facility exists because your education matters to national development,” he stated. “We encourage you to access the support available, but also to uphold the principle of responsible repayment. The sustainability of the Fund depends on collective discipline.”

Dr. Apaak noted that demand for financial assistance continues to grow as tertiary enrolment rises across universities, colleges of education, agricultural colleges, and health training institutions in the north.

He explained that decentralising SLTF services will reduce delays in application verification, improve institutional coordination, and eliminate the travel burden many students previously faced.

“Decentralisation is not symbolic; it is a governance reform that improves efficiency and accountability,” he said, adding that the Tamale office will provide localised processing, verification support, and advisory services on responsible borrowing.

The Deputy Minister emphasised that access to education without sustainable financing mechanisms creates long-term challenges for both beneficiaries and the state.

“Access without financing is incomplete,” he noted, describing the SLTF as “a bridging mechanism between aspiration and opportunity.”

He further reminded beneficiaries that the revolving nature of the fund means repayments today determine opportunities for future students.

“Financing reform must be sustainable. Responsible borrowing and timely repayment are essential to ensuring that future generations benefit from the same opportunities,” Dr. Apaak stated.

The Tamale office forms part of broader reforms aimed at strengthening institutional efficiency and equity within Ghana’s tertiary education financing framework.