Ghana’s High Commission in the United Kingdom will proceed with a planned verification and oath-taking exercise for PhD students. These students receive sponsorship from the Ghana Scholarships Authority (GSA). High Commissioner Sabah Zita Benson confirmed this decision, despite strong opposition from scholarship beneficiaries.
The students’ leadership describes the exercise as discriminatory and unnecessary. They argue that beneficiaries have already signed bonds committing them to return to Ghana. The High Commission, however, maintains the exercise is vital to reaffirm students' commitment to return home after completing their studies in the UK.
This development fits into a broader narrative of accountability for public funds in Ghana. The government often faces pressure to ensure that investments in education and human capital yield tangible benefits for the nation. Previous instances have seen public scrutiny over the return and reintegration of state-sponsored scholars. This exercise aims to address such concerns directly.
High Commissioner Benson defended the exercise by citing provisions within the scholarship bonds signed by the students. She stated that the bond, issued by former GSA Registrar Kingsley Agyemang, requires beneficiaries to comply with all Authority requirements. These requirements include surveys and evaluations. The bond also mandates students to return to Ghana within two months of completing their studies.
Madam Benson further noted that beneficiaries who fail to meet their obligations may be liable to reimburse the state for scholarship funds received. She questioned why students are now imposing conditions on the government. These demands include deadlines for outstanding tuition and stipends, full settlement before returning, and guaranteed job market reintegration. She highlighted that these demands were not raised when Mr. Agyemang was still in charge of the GSA. The scholarships were reportedly awarded between 2020 and 2025.
The High Commissioner rejected claims that the oath-taking requirement is being applied retroactively. She insisted that the exercise falls within the GSA’s legitimate authority. “The Ghana High Commission, acting on behalf of the GSA, shall go ahead with the planned verification and oath-taking,” she affirmed. She also dismissed the demand for guaranteed labour market reintegration, stating that the signed bond contains no such obligation from the government.
Madam Benson reiterated that the GSA has the authority to undertake necessary measures under the scholarship agreement terms. She emphasized that the exercise serves the interest of Ghanaian taxpayers. It ensures that scholarship beneficiaries comply with their contractual obligations. “We have our reasons for this exercise, and it is in the interest of the taxpayers for us to ensure that we do the right thing even though a huge mess was previously created,” she added.
The High Commissioner warned that the government would not yield to pressure to abandon the exercise. She asserted that scholarship beneficiaries cannot hold the state to ransom after benefiting from public funds. She urged beneficiaries to acknowledge the government’s position as preparations for the verification and oath-taking continue. This firm stance underscores the government's commitment to enforcing contractual agreements and safeguarding public resources.