Ghana's High Commission in the United Kingdom will proceed with a planned verification and oath-taking exercise for PhD students. These students are sponsored by the Ghana Scholarships Authority (GSA). This decision stands despite opposition from the scholarship beneficiaries.
The High Commissioner, Sabah Zita Benson, confirmed the exercise will go ahead. It aims to reaffirm the students' commitment to return to Ghana after completing their studies. The students' leadership described the exercise as discriminatory and unnecessary. They argued that beneficiaries had already signed bonds committing them to return.
This development fits into Ghana's broader economic narrative of ensuring accountability for public funds. The government often faces challenges with citizens who study abroad on state scholarships but do not return. This impacts the country's human capital development and return on investment. The GSA's actions reflect a push to enforce contractual obligations and protect taxpayer interests.
Madam Zita Benson defended the exercise in a Facebook post. She cited provisions contained in the scholarship bonds signed by the students. The bond, issued by former GSA Registrar Kingsley Agyemang, required beneficiaries to comply with Authority requirements. These requirements include surveys and evaluations. It also mandates their return to Ghana within two months of completing studies.
The High Commissioner stated that the bond makes beneficiaries liable for scholarship funds if they fail their obligations. They would then need to reimburse the state. Madam Benson noted students are now seeking to impose conditions on the government. These include deadlines for outstanding tuition fees and stipends. They also demand full settlement of these obligations before returning. Furthermore, they seek guaranteed reintegration into Ghana’s job market.
Madam Benson questioned why these demands were not raised earlier. She asked why they were not made when Mr. Agyemang was still in charge of the GSA. The students reportedly received their scholarships between 2020 and 2025. The High Commissioner also rejected claims that the oath-taking requirement was retroactive. She insisted the exercise falls within the GSA’s authority.
“The Ghana High Commission, acting on behalf of the GSA, shall go ahead with the planned verification and oath-taking,” she stated. Madam Benson also rejected the students’ demand for guaranteed reintegration into the labour market. She argued that no such provision existed in the bond they signed. “In the bond they signed, I see no obligation by Government to reintegrate them into society,” she added.
She maintained the GSA has the authority to undertake necessary measures under the scholarship agreement. The exercise is in the interest of taxpayers. It ensures 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,” she explained.
The High Commissioner warned the government would not be pressured into abandoning the exercise. She insisted scholarship beneficiaries cannot hold the state to ransom after benefiting from public funds. She urged beneficiaries to note the government’s position. Preparations for the verification and oath-taking exercise continue.