Ghana School of Law Students Celebrate Historic Inclusion in Student Loan Trust Fund PLUS.

"It started as a dream. But now, it has materialised for the collective good."

In what can only be described as a momentous breakthrough for legal education in Ghana, the long-standing dream of securing financial support for students of the Ghana School of Law (GSL) under the national Students Loan Trust Fund (SLTF) has finally materialized.

The Ghana School of Law SRC Executive Council, in partnership with the Legal Green Association (LGA), spearheaded a compelling and well-argued petition for the inclusion of GSL students in the national student loan scheme. The petition, rooted in constitutional rights and statutory interpretation, highlighted the hardship faced by law students due to their exclusion from the Students Loan Trust Fund, despite their tertiary-level status and critical role in Ghana’s justice delivery system.

Honourable Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Education, responded decisively and favourably to the petition. At a pivotal meeting held on Friday, 17th October 2025, the Minister approved the petition and issued consequential orders to the Students Loan Trust Fund, directing them to extend the Students Loan Plus scheme 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.

This bold move is consistent with Hon. Haruna Iddrisu’s lifelong commitment to student welfare, equitable education, and social justice. Himself a former student leader and seasoned advocate, the Minister brings both empathy and pragmatism to the role. His decision has not only righted a long-standing inequality but has also reaffirmed the constitutional promise of accessible higher education for all.

For the first time, Ghana School of Law students will have access to the Student Loan Trust Fund PLUS, alleviating financial burdens and promoting equal opportunities. Hon. Iddrisu's legacy will be remembered for generations to come, as a leader who prioritized the needs of students and the future of Ghana's legal profession.

This landmark achievement would not have been possible without persistence and coordination of the Ghana School of Law SRC Executive Council, led by the President, His Excellency Nana Opoku Ware and the Executive Council with the Legal Green Association. From the very first moment the idea was shared with him, President Opoku Ware embraced it with passion, mobilizing his team and providing the political will to drive it to completion.

Behind every major success story are unsung heroes. Key among them is Prof. George Kwaku Toku Oduro, who facilitated the meeting and offered invaluable counsel. A man known for his genuine commitment to youth development, Prof. Oduro’s involvement ensured the conversation reached the right ears.

Also instrumental was Dr. Emmanuel Newman, a respected Board Member of the Students Loan Trust Fund, whose timely intervention helped push the petition to be approved.

The CEO of the Student Loan Trust Fund (SLTF), Dr.Saajida Shiraz, promptly approved the petition when called upon, demonstrating exemplary proactive leadership at its finest.

It all started with an idea conceived and nurtured by Leader, Festus Matey, supported by the Political Head, Evans Mawunyo Tsikata of the Legal Green Association (LGA). LGA held early discussions with the CEO of the SLTF, laying the foundational groundwork and shaping the direction of the petition. Their intellectual rigor and proactive engagement laid the first stone in what has become a national milestone.

The approval of this petition marks a turning point in the accessibility and inclusiveness of legal education in Ghana. By officially classifying GSL students as eligible for the Students Loan Plus, the government has recognized the professional law course as a legitimate and essential component of Ghana’s tertiary education system.

This inclusion ensures that financial hardship will no longer be a barrier for students seeking to enter the legal profession. It aligns perfectly with the principles of equal opportunity, constitutional justice, and the long-term development of the human resource of Ghana’s legal System.

This achievement belongs to every student of the Ghana School of Law, past, present, and future. It is a triumph of teamwork, vision, and persistent advocacy. It reminds us all that when student leaders rise with clarity of purpose and strategic engagement, policy change is possible.

To all who played a role from the petition drafters, student leaders, ministry officials, SLTF board members, to the supportive student body, thank you for proving that collective action, rooted in justice, can truly move mountains.

Let this be the blueprint for future engagements between students and the state.

Key SRC Members who championed the cause include:

1. Nana Opoku Ware – The SRC President (GSL): Held the welfare of the student body close to his heart. He spared no effort and left no stone unturned in bringing this to a successful outcome.

2. Don Emmanuel Agbanyo – Vice President (Makola Campus): A tireless advocate who ensured momentum was never lost.

3. Otenewa Maame Ekua Odro – Vice President (UPSA Campus): The logistical powerhouse who coordinated schedules and ensured the high-level meeting with the Minister materialised. Deep appreciation to Otenewa for her key role in organizing and facilitating the meeting with Minister Hon. Haruna Iddrisu. Her unwavering dedication and hard work were crucial to the success of the petition. Otenewa’s commitment to the welfare of Ghana School of Law students is truly admirable, and her efforts greatly contributed to this significant achievement.

4. Herirata Duodu – A strategic voice and silent engine behind several key discussions.

5. Ebenezer Opoku – Vice President (Kumasi Campus): – for pushing hard until this became a reality.

6. Nana Aba Kwesenuwa Odoom – General Secretary: The custodian of communication and correspondence whose records grounded the petition.

7. Jackson Bright Kitanya-Dabanyi– SRC Treasurer: His commitment to ensuring this petition succeeds is admirable. He consistently and strategically engaged all other Executive Council members to see to the success of this historic initiative. His passion for the general welfare of all others is one to be emulated.

8. Gloria Agbeli – Organizing Secretary: Coordinated across to consolidate support.

History will always remember those who played a role in making this a reality. Fighting for a just cause is always worthwhile, and caring for the well-being of others is a true mark of selflessness.