The Controller and Accountant-General, Kwesi Agyei, has disclosed that nearly 4,000 public sector employees currently on the government payroll have outstanding student loan debts.
He made the revelation at the launch of activities marking the 20th anniversary of the Student Loan Trust Fund (SLTF), where he outlined ongoing efforts to strengthen loan recovery mechanisms.
Mr. Agyei said the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD) is collaborating with the SLTF to develop a framework that will enable the recovery of outstanding loans through payroll deductions.
According to him, the initiative is aimed at improving compliance, safeguarding the sustainability of the student loan scheme, and ensuring that future students continue to benefit from the revolving fund.
He explained that the proposed system would help identify beneficiaries of student loans who are currently employed in the public sector and facilitate structured repayment through the government payroll platform.
Mr. Agyei added that once the necessary legal and regulatory processes are completed, the deductions would be treated as statutory obligations, similar to existing PAYE and SSNIT contributions.
He noted that discussions between the two institutions will soon be finalised to determine the modalities for implementation.
The Controller and Accountant-General expressed confidence that the initiative would significantly enhance loan recovery, protect the integrity of the fund, and expand access to tertiary education for future generations.
