Prempeh College has emerged as the champions of the 2025 Luv FM High School Debate, defeating Kumasi High School in a thrilling grand finale that captivated audiences across the Ashanti Region and beyond.

Debating the motion, “Politicians are more corrupt than civil servants,” both schools delivered compelling arguments, showcasing deep research, critical thinking, and persuasive speaking.

Ultimately, Prempeh College won the day with a final score of 231 points (50.22%), narrowly edging past Kumasi High School, who secured 229 points (49.78%). The victory came by majority decision, with 2 out of 3 judges awarding the contest to Prempeh College.

Organized by Luv FM, a member of the Multimedia Group Limited, in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service (GES), the debate provided a powerful platform for young intellectuals to engage on pressing societal issues. This year’s motion stirred thought-provoking discussion around ethics, governance, and public service in Ghana.

The final was a display of high-level debating, with both schools receiving commendation for their eloquence, structure, and analytical depth. However, Prempeh College’s refined delivery and ability to effectively rebut key points proved decisive in the eyes of the judges.

Their victory adds to their distinguished record in academic and extracurricular excellence, further cementing their reputation as a powerhouse in student leadership and discourse.

The 2025 Luv FM High School Debate received support from several corporate sponsors, media partners, and educational institutions, underscoring the importance of youth development and civic education in Ghana.

The Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Students Loan Trust Fund (SLTF), Dr. Saajida Shiraz, has confirmed that SLTF recently disbursed second-semester loans to 19,703 students across 135 public and private institutions.

Speaking at the launch of the No Fee Stress initiative, Dr. Shiraz highlighted that this marks the first time in four years the fund has paid second-semester loans.

She also revealed that first-semester loans have already been disbursed to 38,440 students across 145 institutions this academic year.

“The Student Loan Trust Fund Board this year has disbursed first-semester loans to a total of 38,440 students across 145 public and private institutions,” Dr. Shiraz stated.

“For the first time in four years, we have begun paying second-semester loans,” she continued. “Just three days ago, 19,703 students from 135 institutions received their loans.”

Acknowledging past challenges, Dr. Shiraz said, “The days when loans were approved but not disbursed, and the complacency that hindered the fund’s core mandate, are now behind us.” She confidently affirmed, “The challenges we faced in meeting our core mandate are a thing of the past.”

Dr. Shiraz also expressed profound appreciation to the GET Fund Administrator for their unwavering support. “I appreciate the GET Fund Administrator for privatizing the tertiary education reset agenda and committing the necessary funds to help SLTF meet its commitments.”

Established to expand access to higher education, the Students Loan Trust Fund (SLTF) provides crucial financial support to students in both public and private institutions by offering loans that cover tuition fees and other educational expenses.

Over the years, SLTF has played a vital role in enabling thousands of students to afford tertiary education, thereby contributing significantly to national development through investment in human capital.

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According to President John Dramani Mahama, the recently implemented “No Fees Stress” policy has cleared academic user fees for 15,000 first-year tertiary students.

At the policy’s formal launch in Koforidua, Eastern Region, on Friday, July 4, 2025, the announcement was made.

“As we speak, academic user fees have been cleared for an initial 15,000 students under this policy. This is just the beginning. And today, with our students, educators, parents, and development partners, I am pleased to declare the No Fees Stress Policy officially launched,’ he stated.

The President restated his administration’s resolve to ensure that all Ghanaians, irrespective of their financial situation, have access to higher education.

“Let it be known across this land that, from today, no Ghanaian child will be denied tertiary
education simply because they cannot afford the academic fees.

“This is the path to a more just society. This is how we build a future where no dream is
deferred, and no potential is wasted,” he said.

One of Ghana’s main equity-based initiatives to remove financial obstacles to postsecondary education is the “No Fees Stress” policy.

Beginning with the 2025 academic year, the state will pay for all first-year students’ academic-related costs at public postsecondary institutions.