Ghana’s Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu, has announced a sweeping reform of the country’s scholarship framework, with plans to introduce the Ghana Scholarship Authority Bill in Parliament within weeks. The move aims to eliminate favouritism in the scholarship system and institutionalise a transparent, merit-based approach.
Speaking at the WAEC Distinction Awards ceremony on Thursday, June 26, the Minister said the bill, which will be presented on behalf of President John Mahama, seeks to eradicate nepotism and cronyism previously linked to scholarship allocation.
At the heart of the proposed law is the establishment of a new merit-driven scholarship system, featuring a Presidential Scholarship that will reward the top-performing candidates in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). The initiative will see the number of awardees expanded from three to ten, with selections determined solely by WAEC, free from political or institutional interference.
The scholarships, which will be fully funded by the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), will be administered through the newly proposed Ghana Scholarship Authority. Awardees will include the best five students across Science, General Arts, Business, and Visual Arts, alongside outstanding female students in science and mathematics, and the best-performing girl from the most deprived community.
Minister Iddrisu urged WAEC to collaborate closely in shaping the legislation, ensuring that the President’s vision is reflected in its mandate. He further revealed that President Mahama’s vision extends beyond Ghana’s borders, proposing the inclusion of exceptional students from other West African countries to promote cultural exchange and Pan-Africanism.
Congratulating the distinguished students, the Minister encouraged them to carry their achievements with pride and purpose, urging them to uphold values of integrity as they pursue their future aspirations.
