The Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), established in 2000, stands as a testament to the power of advocacy in the educational sector. Born from the efforts of the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS), GETFund was created to provide dedicated financial support for educational infrastructure and initiatives. This vital mission is enshrined in the GETFund Act, 2000 (Act 581), which not only outlines the fund’s objectives and governance but also guarantees student representation, a crucial element championed by NUGS.
In a powerful demonstration of this commitment, Mr. Daniel Nii Korley Botchway, President of NUGS, has been appointed to the GETFund Board of Trustees. This appointment signifies more than just representation; it is a direct channel for student voices to influence policy and ensure the needs of the student body are addressed.
On Friday, April 11, 2025, the 7th Board of Trustees of GETFund was inaugurated by the Minister of Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, at the Fund’s headquarters in Accra. The ceremony marked the commencement of a new chapter for GETFund, with Mr. Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah as the newly appointed Chairperson.
During his remarks, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu emphasized the critical need to prioritize infrastructure development across all academic institutions. He also congratulated the board members and urged them to take immediate action to release approximately GHC 258 million in support of the School Feeding Programme. Furthermore, he underscored the importance of a comprehensive review of GETFund’s current funding allocations to ensure optimal resource utilization.
The board comprises a diverse group of individuals, including representatives from key governmental bodies and various sectors. Alongside Mr. Botchway, the board includes: Mr. Masawudu Mahama (Ministry of Finance), Rev. Dr. Cyril Gershon Kwao Fayose (Christian Council of Ghana), Anthony Kwasi Sarpong (Revenue Agencies Governing Board), Mr. Paul Adjei (GETFund Administrator), Mrs. Mamle D. Andrews (Ministry of Education), Professor Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai (Ghana Tertiary Education Commission), Mr. John Awuah (Ghana Bankers Association), Mr. Seth Kobla Aklasi (Ghana Insurers Association), Mrs. Patience Ablah Ganyo (National Pensions Regulatory Authority), Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun (representing Technical Universities on a rotational basis), Mrs. Grace Amey-Obeng (Association of Ghana Industries), Ms. Francisca Atuluk (National Council on Women and Development), Mr. Alexander Frimpong (Ghana Employers Association), and Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis (Ghana Education Service Council).
To the students of the republic, the presence of Mr. Daniel Nii Korley Botchway on the GETFund board represents the dawn of a new era. It is a testament to the power of student voices and a guarantee that their perspectives will be actively considered in the management of a fund dedicated to their education.
This is not merely representation; it is a statement—a clear indication that the times have evolved, embracing inclusion and active participation. Mr. Botchway’s role is a critical link, ensuring that the fund continues to serve the best interests of Ghanaian students and contribute to the advancement of education across the nation.