UEW 30th Congregation: Government Reaffirms Commitment to Transforming Ghana’s Education Sector
Hon. Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah, Central Regional Minister, speaking on behalf of the President of the Republic, H. E. John Dramani Mahama, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing bold, far-reaching educational reforms aimed at strengthening equity, access and quality across Ghana’s education sector.
He delivered the address on Saturday, 29th November, 2025, at the climax of the first session of the University of Education, Winneba’s (UEW) 30th Congregation.
Addressing the audience at the Jophus Anamuah-Mensah Conference Centre, the Minister praised UEW for its role in shaping teachers, innovators and leaders who continue to transform communities nationwide. He described the 30th Congregation as both a celebration of academic achievement and a reminder of the nation’s collective commitment to building a knowledge-driven and inclusive future.
Hon. Eduamoah highlighted the National Consultative Forum on Education, inaugurated earlier in February 2025 as a major milestone in Ghana’s efforts to build a unified national vision for education. He reported that through extensive nationwide stakeholder consultations, the Forum produced a comprehensive roadmap, the final report of which was submitted in June 2025. He assured the congregation that the document “will not gather dust on shelves” but will form the foundation for Ghana’s next major education reform.
The Minister announced a series of government interventions that seek to eliminate financial barriers to tertiary education. Key among these is the sweeping reform of the Student Loan Trust Fund which has increased loan amounts by 50%, reduced interest rates from 12% compound to 6% simple and simplified the loan application process through automatic bank account creation and digitalisation. The reforms, he noted, aim to ease financial pressure on students, promote equity and support successful completion of tertiary education.
He further highlighted the government’s flagship “No Fees, No Stress” policy, which ensures that, beginning in the 2024/2025 academic year, no Ghanaian student entering a public tertiary institution pays academic fees. With an initial allocation of GH₵452.9 million, the intervention is projected to benefit over 150,000 students nationwide. Hon. Eduamoah disclosed that more than 120,000 have already benefited, underscoring the government’s resolve to make higher education a right rather than a privilege.
In addition, he announced the rollout of the “Free Tertiary Education for Persons with Disability (PWDs)” initiative which guarantees full academic fee coverage for all Ghanaian students with disabilities admitted to public tertiary institutions. He stressed that the policy is “not an act of charity but an act of justice and equality,” emphasising the government’s commitment to inclusivity. “The initiative is supported with GH₵50 million annually from GETFund,” he said.
The Minister outlined several ongoing reforms including the Bright Beginning Initiative to strengthen early childhood learning, the Furniture for All Initiative to eliminate furniture deficits in basic schools while supporting local carpenters and infrastructure expansion to eliminate schools under trees.
He also highlighted enhancements to the Free SHS programme such as ending the double-track system, expanding e-Block facilities and improving access to learning materials and digital tools to prepare Ghanaian students for a modern global economy.
Beyond education, Hon. Eduamoah noted that the government remains committed to the Ghana Infrastructure Plan—designed to guide coordinated national development and ensure equitable regional progress. He emphasised that infrastructure delivery is not only about constructing buildings but about “building the future, bridging inequalities, and giving every Ghanaian child a fair chance to shine.”
Addressing the graduating class, the Minister commended their resilience and dedication. He urged them to uphold the UEW tradition of excellence, integrity and service beyond the classroom and to become innovators and problem solvers in responding to national challenges such as unemployment, digital transformation and climate change. “Your journey has prepared you for leadership, service and transformation,” he stated.
Hon. Eduamoah also paid glowing tribute to UEW’s faculty, administrators, parents and guardians for their roles in preparing graduates for national development. He described lecturers as the “torchbearers of learning” and administrative staff as the “silent strength behind the University’s efficiency and excellence.” He lauded parents and guardians for their sacrifices, noting that the success of the graduating class is equally their victory.
He called for collective responsibility, urging graduates to let integrity, excellence and patriotism guide their contributions to Ghana's progress. “Go forth with confidence, humility and courage. Let your lives shine brightly wherever you go,” he encouraged them.
