The Students Loan Trust Fund has announced the successful completion of academic fee reimbursements for first year students under President John Dramani Mahama’s No Academic Fees initiative, widely known as the No Fees Stress policy.
The conclusion of the pilot phase marks a significant milestone in the government’s effort to expand access to tertiary education and reduce financial barriers for students entering public institutions.
“I am pleased to announce the successful conclusion of the pilot implementation of President John Dramani Mahama’s No Academic Fees initiative with final reimbursements to an additional 874 students today.”
Chief Executive Officer of the Students Loan Trust Fund, Dr Saajida Shiraz
She described the completion of payments as an important step in delivering on the President’s education commitments and strengthening confidence in public funding mechanisms.
Dr Shiraz said the initiative was implemented to ensure that no eligible first year student in a public tertiary institution is denied education due to inability to pay academic fees.
She expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the pilot, noting that the process involved extensive collaboration with tertiary institutions and strict validation procedures to protect public funds.
According to data released by the Trust Fund, a total of 178,745 enrolment records were submitted by public tertiary institutions nationwide for first year students. Out of this figure, 168,855 students completed applications under the No Fees Stress programme. Following validation exercises, 152,698 students were confirmed as eligible and subsequently reimbursed for their academic fees.
The Trust Fund explained that the gap between applications received and reimbursements paid was largely due to incomplete records, inconsistencies in submitted data, and cases that did not meet the validation criteria. Officials emphasized that the verification process was essential to ensure accuracy, accountability, and fairness in the disbursement of funds.
As part of efforts to promote transparency and improve communication with beneficiaries, the Students Loan Trust Fund has introduced a dedicated No Fees Stress status checker.
The digital platform allows applicants to verify their validation and reimbursement status using personal application details. Dr Shiraz said the tool was designed to give students direct access to information and reduce uncertainty surrounding the reimbursement process.
Portal Opened for 2025/26 Academic Year
She further announced that the No Fees Stress Portal has officially been opened for the 2025/2026 academic year. The portal now hosts the full range of products and services under the initiative, allowing prospective beneficiaries to prepare ahead of the next academic cycle.
The opening of the portal signals the transition from a pilot phase to a broader implementation of the policy. Dr Shiraz thanked public tertiary institutions, students, and other stakeholders for their cooperation throughout the pilot period.
She noted that the success of the programme depended heavily on timely data submission, institutional support, and continuous engagement with applicants. According to her, the lessons learned during the pilot phase will inform improvements in subsequent years.
The No Academic Fees initiative forms part of President Mahama’s broader education and social policy agenda aimed at expanding access to higher education and promoting equity.
By removing academic fees for first-year students in public tertiary institutions, the policy seeks to ease the financial burden on households and encourage increased enrolment, particularly among students from low-income backgrounds.
Education analysts have described the programme as a major intervention in Ghana’s tertiary education financing landscape. They argue that while academic fees represent only one component of the overall cost of tertiary education, their removal at the entry level can significantly lower the initial barrier faced by students and families.
Commitment to Prudent Financial Management
The Students Loan Trust Fund reiterated its commitment to prudent financial management and accountability. In its statement, the Fund affirmed that due diligence remains central to its operations and that public resources will continue to be deployed carefully in support of accessible, inclusive, and equitable higher education.
Officials also encouraged students who may have concerns about their application status to make use of the available support channels, including the Trust Fund’s call centre and online platforms. The Fund indicated that continuous updates and guidance will be provided as preparations for the next academic year progress.
With the completion of reimbursements for the 2024/2025 academic year and the opening of the portal for 2025/2026, the Students Loan Trust Fund says it is positioned to build on the gains of the pilot phase. The development underscores the government’s intention to institutionalize the No Fees Stress policy as a key pillar of its education strategy.
For many beneficiaries, the conclusion of payments represents not only financial relief but renewed confidence in state support for education. As implementation expands, attention is expected to focus on sustainability, funding adequacy, and the long term impact of the policy on enrolment, retention, and educational outcomes across the country.
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