By Edith Atiaka Eshun
Persons with disabilities who are qualified for tertiary education will no longer be burdened with fee payment. This is because in the coming weeks the government through the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection and the Ministry of Education, will roll out the Free Tertiary Education for persons with disabilities as promised by President John Mahama.
Speaking to GBC Obonu News during a special thanksgiving service at Lashibi in Accra, the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Gender Minister, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey said consultations have been concluded and the policy is ready to be rolled out in fulfillment of the government’s 120 days social contract with the people.
“The Ministry, Gender Children and Social Protection is a big Ministry that has to do with the general well-being of Ghanaians, and so His Excellency John Dramani Mahama is very clear on what he wants to do for Ghanaians in terms of the protection of children, social protection in general, and also ensuring that the school feeding programme is decentralised for everybody to enjoy good food. In the summation of his charge to us, if you can’t feed it to yourself or to your children, don’t serve it to others; so basically it is talking about quality.”
Mrs. Lartey further mentioned, “120 days, we have some few things to achieve from my sector; one has to do with persons with disabilities having free tertiary education, so I’m collaborating with the Ministry of Education to make sure that that is realised.”
The Gender Minister added that the Ministry has also concluded consultations, and plans are far advanced to operationalise the Women’s Development Bank, another 120-day promise. The Bank, when fully operational, will not only provide financial support for women entrepreneurs but will also be managed and staffed entirely by women.
“Within the 120 days we’ll also establish the Women’s Development Bank. Plans are far advanced, and by the grace of God, we’ve had extensive conversations with some stakeholders, and I’m sure very soon you’ll be hearing of what we’re doing in that direction. Also, we’re looking at many issues around women, the free sanitary pad for the schools: that, I’m also collaborating with the Ministry of Education. My Ministry is positioned that it is cross sectorial so we’re working with other Ministries to achieve the vision. Therefore, in our 120 days charge, we have a lot of work to do to and to work with other ministries like Trade and Agric to ensure that the things that His Excellency has set to do for the people of Ghana—the women, children, men, and everybody—we realise it.”
The General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God Church, Reverend Dr. Stephen Wengam, in a message, commended members of the church for availing themselves for various leadership positions even in governance.
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