The Student Loan Trust Fund defaulters list has once again sparked public interest and accountability in Ghana. On May 30, 2025, the SLTF published a detailed list of student loan defaulters in the Daily Graphic, naming over 100 borrowers who have failed to repay their loans years after graduation. This move forms part of the Fund’s intensified recovery strategy to sustain its operations and ensure future generations have access to tertiary education funding.
The student loan trust fund defaulters list includes essential information such as:
- Full names of defaulting borrowers
- Names of their tertiary institutions
- Year of completion
- Total loan amounts outstanding, including interest
- Names of the guarantors
By publishing the names of both defaulters and their guarantors, the SLTF aims to apply public pressure and reinforce the shared responsibility involved in student loan contracts.
Widespread Student Loan Trust Fund Defaulters List from Various Institutions
The individuals listed come from diverse educational backgrounds, covering both public and private universities across Ghana. These include high-profile institutions like the University of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), University of Cape Coast, University for Development Studies, and several technical universities and colleges.
Some of the debts trace back over a decade, indicating a long-standing problem with enforcement and accountability. For instance, a graduate from the University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa, who completed studies in 2008, currently owes GH¢14,248.34. Similarly, a KNUST alumnus from 2011 has an outstanding balance of GH¢36,346.99, reflecting the compounded nature of unpaid loans.
Holding Guarantors Accountable
Unlike previous publications, this latest student loan trust fund defaulters list includes the names of guarantors, those who pledged to repay the loans if the original borrowers defaulted. This is a calculated move by the SLTF to distribute the burden and remind guarantors of their legal obligations.
Guarantors, often family members, friends, or community leaders, are now facing increasing pressure and public scrutiny. The SLTF believes this will create a chain reaction where guarantors compel borrowers to settle their debts to avoid embarrassment or legal consequences.
Final Warning Before Legal Action
In its announcement, the SLTF issued a stern warning to all listed individuals and their guarantors. They have been given a one-month grace period to clear their outstanding balances or face legal proceedings. There will be no additional reminders or negotiations after this period.
Borrowers are advised to reach out through official SLTF channels, including their website, call centers, or designated customer service points, for assistance or payment arrangement options.
Multiple Repayment Channels Available
To make repayment convenient, the SLTF offers multiple payment platforms. Borrowers can make payments through:
- Partnered local banks
- Mobile money platforms
- Online banking
- International payment gateways (for Ghanaians living abroad)
These options are meant to eliminate any excuse for non-payment, as borrowers can now settle their loans from virtually anywhere in the world.
Past Precedents and Public Reactions
This is not the first time the student loan trust fund defaulters list has made headlines. In previous years, similar lists were released, prompting mixed reactions from the public. While some applaud the SLTF’s commitment to transparency and accountability, others have raised privacy concerns and questioned whether public shaming is ethical or effective.
Still, the reality remains: student loan defaulters impact the financial health of the Fund and jeopardize the chances of other needy students securing loans for their education. The publication of these lists is one of the few ways the SLTF can recover long-overdue funds in the absence of stricter loan enforcement laws.
Importance of Repayment for the Next Generation
The SLTF has emphasized that the student loan system is a revolving fund, which depends on repayment from past beneficiaries to support new applicants. Without the recovery of owed funds, the sustainability of the program is at risk. Timely repayment ensures that future students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, can access critical funding for higher education.
Conclusion
The release of the student loan trust fund defaulters list serves as a serious reminder to graduates and their guarantors: student loans are not grants. They are legally binding contracts with long-term financial implications. As the SLTF tightens its recovery mechanisms, defaulters are strongly urged to act swiftly and responsibly.
