The Controller and Accountant-General, Kwesi Agyei, has disclosed that about 4,000 public sector workers currently on the government payroll have outstanding student loan debts owed to the Student Loan Trust Fund (SLTF).
According to Mr. Agyei, the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department is working closely with the SLTF to recover the outstanding loans through deductions from the salaries of affected workers, in accordance with existing laws and regulations governing public-sector payroll administration.
He made the disclosure on Thursday, June 18, during the launch of activities marking the 20th anniversary of the Student Loan Trust Fund.
Mr. Agyei explained that the move forms part of broader efforts to strengthen loan recovery mechanisms and safeguard the long-term sustainability of the student loan scheme, ensuring that future students continue to benefit from financial support for tertiary education.
“We have already identified over 4,000 on the government payroll through the collaboration with the Trust Fund. In the coming days, we will engage with the Trust Fund on the modalities of implementing these deductions. We envisage that this deduction will become one of the important statutory sanctions on their salaries,” he stated.
He noted that the planned deductions are expected to improve repayment compliance among beneficiaries who have completed their studies and are now employed in the public sector.
The Controller and Accountant-General further indicated that enhanced loan recovery efforts would strengthen the financial position of the Fund and improve its capacity to support future generations of students seeking tertiary education financing.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of the Student Loan Trust Fund, Dr Saajida Shiraz, announced a 50 per cent increase in access to the Fund’s regular loan package.
She attributed the improvement to the timely release of funds by the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), which has significantly enhanced the Fund’s ability to meet growing demand for student financing.
According to Dr. Shiraz, more than GH¢127 million has been disbursed to over 46,000 students, with all loan applications received during the review period successfully processed and funded.
She said the achievement reflects the Fund’s commitment to expanding access to higher education and reducing the financial barriers faced by students across the country.
Also speaking at the event, Emmanuel Bedzrah, Board Chairman of GETFund, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to supporting student financing through the timely release of funds.
He assured stakeholders that GETFund would continue to collaborate with the Student Loan Trust Fund to ensure that students receive the financial assistance necessary to pursue their academic goals.
Established to provide financial support to eligible tertiary students, the Student Loan Trust Fund has, over the past two decades, become a critical source of educational financing for thousands of students nationwide.
