The students from the Ghana School of Law with the Haruna Iddrisu
Some students of the Ghana School of Law are celebrating the successful inclusion of GSL students in the Students Loan Trust Fund (SLTF) PLUS program, describing it as a momentous achievement for legal education in the country.
Evans Mawunyo Tsikata, a law student speaking on behalf of his colleagues, commended the Ghana School of Law SRC Executive Council, in partnership with the Legal Green Association (LGA), for their efforts in advocating for the inclusion of GSL students in the national student loan scheme.
Evans went on to add, “It started as a dream. But now, it has materialized for the collective good.”
He said the SRC Executive Council, led by President Nana Opoku Ware, and the Legal Green Association are recognized for spearheading a compelling petition that highlighted the financial hardship faced by law students due to their previous exclusion from the Students Loan Trust Fund, despite their tertiary-level status and important role in Ghana’s justice system.
Adding that the successful petition resulted in the Minister of Education approving the Student Loan Plus scheme being extended to students of the Ghana School of Law.
“This enhanced loan package will comprehensively cover fees and provide essential financial relief for all eligible GSL applicants”.
The students also acknowledged the instrumental roles played by individuals such as Prof. George Kwaku Toku Oduro, Dr Emmanuel Newman, and Dr Saajida Shiraz in facilitating the process and ensuring the petition’s approval.
Evans stated that the efforts of these individuals to aid financial relief to students will help alleviate their financial burdens and promote equal opportunities.
The law students recognized the contribution of Leader Festus Matey and Political Head Evans Mawunyo Tsikata of the Legal Green Association (LGA), whose intellectual rigor and proactive engagement laid the groundwork for this achievement. “LGA held early discussions with the CEO of the SLTF, laying the foundational groundwork and shaping the direction of the petition”.
The inclusion in the Student Loan Trust Fund PLUS, according to the students, will provide Ghana School of Law students with access to financial resources that were previously unavailable, promoting greater accessibility and equal opportunity within the legal profession.