My gov’t will offer free tertiary education to persons with disabilities – Bawumia

The flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has promised to provide free tertiary education for Persons living with disabilities (PWDs).

The Vice President made this known during an interaction with the clergy in the Western North Region as part of his ongoing nationwide tour.

He said as part of a comprehensive programme for persons with disabilities, his government, when given power, will offer all persons with disabilities free access to tertiary education.

According to Dr Bawumia, although scholarships are meant to be given to all persons, his government will prioritise scholarships for people with disabilities. 

He noted that, “We are giving scholarships to all manner of people, but I want to dedicate some of the money from the Scholarship Secretariat and Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) to provide free tertiary education, both tuition and accommodation to all persons with disabilities who will make it into the universities so that they can all benefit from that.”

Dr. Bawumia stressed that he is personally committed to supporting vulnerable members of society because “it gives him joy.”

He added that, as Patron of Lepers Aid Ghana, he has been engaged in many activities supporting the vulnerable, and his government will prioritize broader support for persons with disabilities and vulnerable members of society.

The NPP flagbearer noted that, from 2025, the scholarship will cover both academic and residential fees for all persons with disabilities.

“I am very clear on the way forward. I believe that for persons with disabilities, we are going to support them a bit more,” he stated.   

On his rounds, he is expected to meet with a wide range of stakeholders, including traditional leaders, the clergy, the youth, traders, drivers, farmers, and students and visit businesses, including marketplaces, to interact with both traders and consumers.