John Dramani Mahama is the President of Ghana
President John Dramani Mahama has announced sweeping reforms and expansions in Ghana’s education sector, with a strong focus on access, equity, and social protection.
Delivering the State of the Nation Address on February 27, 2026, the president disclosed that the government’s NO FEES STRESS Initiative has already benefited more than 152,000 first-year students in public universities.
“The NO FEES STRESS Initiative has benefited over 152,000 first year students in Public Universities and the number of beneficiaries this year, is projected to reach 220,000 first-year University students,” he stated.
The number of beneficiaries is projected to rise to 220,000 by the end of the academic year.
In a landmark move to promote inclusivity, the government has launched a free tertiary education policy for persons with disabilities, which is now fully benefiting eligible students enrolled in tertiary institutions nationwide.
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He said that the amended GETFund Act has created a dedicated and sustainable funding framework to support free education for learners with special needs, starting from the 2026 academic year.
President Mahama also announced a significant increase in daily feeding grants for students in public special schools, from ₵8 to ₵15 per day.
The government will further construct a modern, state-of-the-art special needs school in Ho in the Volta Region, while rehabilitating and upgrading existing special schools in Akropong and Akuapem.
As part of efforts to improve menstrual hygiene and reduce absenteeism among schoolgirls, government distributed 12.2 million packets of free sanitary pads to girls in public schools in 2025.
A total of GH₵292.4 million has been allocated in the 2026 budget to sustain the initiative.
MRA/EB
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