
Richard Boadu, Administrator of GETFund

The Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) has successfully disbursed GH₵25,278,029.39 as scholarship grants to deserving students for the 2022/2023 academic year to foster higher education and promote academic excellence.
Giving the breakdown in an interview with a section of the media yesterday, the Administrator of GETFund, Mr Richard Boadu, pointed out that a total of 4,279 students, spanning both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, had been selected as beneficiaries of the scholarship grants.
The figure represents a remarkable 98% of the total scholarships awarded by the Fund over this period.
According to him, the beneficiaries hail from diverse fields of study, reflecting a commitment to support a wide array of academic disciplines.
The GETFund Administrator said the number of scholarships awarded this year represented an increase of 63%of successful applicants, compared to the 2,704 awarded last year.
He explained that out of the 4, 279 beneficiaries, 2,951 were either pursuing Diploma or Degree programmes, while 1,321 were pursuing Masters and PhD programmes.
Beneficiaries
Mr Boadu explained that the beneficiaries included those in public and private tertiary institutions from across the country. With the specific studies they were pursuing, he said 1,963 of the students, representing, 46% were pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) related programmes, while the others were studying other programmes across the spectrum.
Mr Boadu revealed that as of Tuesday August 2, the Fund had paid the total sum of fees allotted to awardees into the accounts of the accredited colleges and universities.
Touching on the process, the Administrator said in mid-November 2022, the GETFund advertised to the general public, inviting prospective applicants to apply for the local scholarships through its online portal.
He explained that the online portal was created solely for the reception of scholarship applications and the management of same.
The GETFund Administrator disclosed that following the opening of the portal, about 22,000 applications were received, adding that “the overwhelming show of interest in the scholarships prompted the Board of Trustees of the Fund to increase the available slots to the current high numbers of 4,279 recipients”.
He said as of August 2, this year, about 300 of successful applicants had not accepted their awards.
Financial ease
Mr Boadu further stressed that the funds would undoubtedly alleviate the financial pressures faced by many students and their families, enabling them to focus on their educational pursuits and excel in their chosen fields.
He said it is a testament to the government’s commitment to education and its recognition of the role that well-educated citizens play in the development and progress of the nation. He emphasised that by investing in the education of its youth, the government is fostering a skilled workforce that will drive innovation, economic growth, and social advancement in Ghana.
He assured the beneficiaries of the scholarships that the support will continue throughout the duration of their academic programs, ensuring that they can fully focus on their studies and achieve their academic goals without financial barriers.
Welcoming
Some of the scholarship recipients have expressed their gratitude for the government’s support. Many students expressed how this initiative had not only relieved them of financial stress, but also instilled in them a sense of motivation to excel academically.
“This scholarship is a game-changer for me. It has given me the opportunity to pursue my dreams without the constant worry of tuition fees and living expenses. I am deeply grateful to the government and the GETFund for this invaluable support,” a beneficiary remarked.