In a significant relief to thousands of teacher trainees across Ghana, the Students Loan Trust Fund (SLTF) has successfully disbursed three months’ worth of outstanding allowances for the 2023/2024 academic year.
A total of 65,685 students from 46 colleges of education have benefited from the latest payment.
The disbursement comes as part of a renewed effort by the SLTF to eliminate payment delays and ensure consistent financial support for tertiary students.
According to a statement signed by Dr. Saajida Shiraz, the acting CEO of the SLTF, this move is in line with the Fund’s core mandate to facilitate equitable access to tertiary education financing.
“This payment is a reflection of our unwavering commitment to supporting students’ academic journey and aligns directly with the government’s broader reset agenda,” the statement emphasized.
The arrears settlement follows months of advocacy by student groups and education stakeholders who have raised concerns over the impact of delayed allowances on academic life. Dr. Shiraz, who assumed office earlier in the year, has since pledged to make timely disbursement a top priority, describing financial accessibility as key to uninterrupted academic progression.
In Parliament last month, Finance Minister Dr. Ato Forson reiterated the government’s commitment to sustaining teacher and nursing trainee allowances in the 2025 fiscal year, assuring lawmakers of a dedicated budget to avoid future delays.
“The 2025 Budget includes adequate provision to ensure allowances are paid on time, reflecting the government’s support for professional training in key sectors,” Dr. Forson said.
Beyond the recent disbursement, the SLTF has outlined plans to enhance operational efficiency and transparency. “Robust systems are being put in place to ensure future payments are seamless and in full alignment with national policy,” the Fund stated.
The SLTF, which replaced the SSNIT Student Loan Scheme, continues to play a crucial role in delivering financial aid to Ghanaian students, as mandated under the 1992 Constitution. With this latest disbursement, the Fund is reinforcing its role as a dependable partner in shaping the future of education in Ghana.
