The graduate students' association of ghana (grasag) has called for stronger support systems for graduate student mothers and women with disabilities to improve access to postgraduate education. the call was made during a meeting with the ministry of gender:he Graduate Students' Association of Ghana (GRASAG) has called for stronger support systems for graduate student mothers and women with disabilities to improve access to postgraduate education. The call was made during a meeting with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection to explore collaboration on inclusion and the welfare of vulnerable groups.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Richard Class-Peters, President of GRASAG, stated that many graduate student mothers and women with disabilities, including those enrolled in private tertiary institutions, faced challenges in pursuing postgraduate studies. He sought clarification on existing support mechanisms and ways the Association could collaborate with the Ministry to address these challenges.
Mr Class-Peters also expressed GRASAG's interest in partnering with the Ministry on research and public education regarding the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024 (Act 1121). Additionally, he emphasized the Association's readiness to support the Ministry's campaigns against human trafficking and female genital mutilation.
Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, welcomed partnerships that strengthened the Ministry's mandate and expanded the reach of its programmes. She noted that although the Government's free tertiary education policy currently covered undergraduate students, extending similar support to postgraduate students would require broader stakeholder engagement.
Dr Lartey highlighted that the allocation to the Disability Common Fund had been increased from three per cent to five per cent. She urged GRASAG members to engage with their respective Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies by submitting requests outlining their specific needs. She reiterated the Ministry's ongoing engagement with persons with disabilities through various programmes and commemorative activities, affirming its commitment to collaborating with organisations that promoted their welfare.
The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to strengthening collaboration to promote inclusion, protect vulnerable groups, and advance social welfare.