In a bold step toward education reform, Ghana’s Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has revealed that the Ghana Scholarship Authority Bill will soon be presented to Parliament. The bill is designed to overhaul the nation’s current scholarship system by introducing merit-based selection processes and minimizing nepotism and favoritism.
A Commitment to Transparency and Excellence
Speaking at the WAEC Distinction Awards ceremony on Thursday, June 26, 2025, the Minister emphasized that the upcoming legislation aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s pledge to Ghanaians to reform how scholarships are awarded.
“The President is determined to eliminate nepotism and cronyism in the scholarship system,” the Minister declared. “We are moving to a purely merit-based model.”
Introducing the Presidential Scholarship for Excellence
A centerpiece of the proposed bill is the Presidential Scholarship, which will recognize outstanding performers in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). This initiative will expand the current number of awardees from three to ten top students, selected solely by WAEC.
These scholarships will be fully funded by the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) and managed under the new Ghana Scholarship Authority, once the bill is passed.
“Every other year, without any political interference, WAEC will determine the best ten students who will receive a full scholarship under the President’s name,” the Minister added.
Scholarship Coverage and Categories
The award structure will include:
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Top five students in each core programme: Science, General Arts, Business, and Visual Arts
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Best female student in Science and Mathematics
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Best performing female student from a deprived community
This inclusive approach seeks to recognize both academic excellence and equity.
Pan-African Vision for Education
The new scheme isn’t limited to Ghana. Minister Iddrisu revealed that President Mahama envisions the scholarship as a Pan-African initiative, allowing brilliant students from other West African countries to qualify. The goal is to foster cultural exchange and regional integration.
“This is not just about rewarding our own. We’re promoting Pan-Africanism by opening opportunities for excellent students across West Africa,” he noted.
Collaboration with WAEC and Legislative Framework
The Minister urged the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to align with the proposed legislation and support its implementation through a formal role in selecting awardees. He suggested incorporating the President’s Scholarship into WAEC’s own policy frameworks and the structure of the bill.
A Word of Inspiration to Awardees
In closing, Minister Iddrisu congratulated the award-winning students and encouraged them to pursue their dreams with purpose.
“Walk tall, be proud of your achievements, and let character and integrity be your guiding light,” he told them.
