The Ghana Scholarships Authority (GSA) has warned Ghanaian government scholarship beneficiaries in the United Kingdom that they risk forfeiting their awards if they fail to participate in a mandatory oath and scholarship validation exercise. This directive affects numerous students sponsored by the government for studies in the UK. The GSA states the exercise aims to verify existing scholarship awards and update beneficiary records.
This clarification follows persistent concerns from the UK PhD Cohort, a group representing Ghanaian students. They have criticised the administration of government scholarships, citing significant delays in the payment of tuition fees, stipends, and other financial obligations. These delays have created considerable hardship for students, impacting their academic progress and immigration status in the UK.
The GSA, in a statement signed by Director-General Alex Kwaku Asafo-Agyei on August 10, confirmed the exercise's legality. It is being conducted under the Ghana Scholarships Authority Act, 2025 (Act 1149), and the Oaths Act, 1972 (NRCD 6). The Ghana High Commission in the United Kingdom is collaborating on this initiative. This validation forms part of broader efforts to strengthen accountability and maintain accurate records of government-sponsored students.
The Authority explicitly rejected claims that the validation exercise introduces new conditions for existing scholarship beneficiaries. The GSA stated, “The Authority has not altered, varied or imposed any new terms on existing scholarship bonds.” It clarified that the obligations in the bonds remain exactly as agreed when scholarships were accepted. Beneficiaries, for instance, committed to returning to Ghana within two months of completing their approved programmes of study. The validation exercise therefore seeks to reaffirm these existing commitments.
The GSA also addressed concerns about Letters of No Objection issued to some beneficiaries. These letters allow students to remain in the UK under the Graduate Route after completing their studies. The Authority stressed that these letters do not waive or cancel scholarship bonds. The Graduate Route, a two-year visa arrangement, can help beneficiaries gain professional experience beneficial to Ghana's human capital development. However, the fundamental obligation to return to Ghana persists unless formally varied by the competent authority.
Acknowledging the difficulties caused by outstanding tuition fees and stipends, the GSA confirmed it is engaging the Ministry of Finance and other relevant institutions. The goal is to facilitate the settlement of these outstanding obligations. The Authority remains committed to addressing legitimate payments owed to beneficiaries. However, the GSA maintained that payment challenges are separate from the validation exercise. It stated, “A delay in the payment of tuition or stipends does not suspend the obligations contained in a scholarship bond.”
The dispute over scholarship payments has been ongoing for months. In April, the UK PhD Cohort planned a demonstration at the Ghana High Commission in London due to payment delays. Some students reported going between 15 and 40 months without receiving statutory living allowances. Unpaid tuition fees also caused academic and immigration-related problems. The planned protest was suspended after the GSA announced funds had been released. However, further concerns arose in June, leading to another planned protest in July over continued delays.
The GSA emphasised that the validation exercise aims to strengthen accountability, protect the integrity of the scholarship programme, and promote fairness. Government scholarships represent a significant investment in Ghana's human capital. They involve responsibilities for both the State and the beneficiaries. While the government must honour its commitments, beneficiaries are expected to honour their undertakings. The Ghana Scholarships Authority urges all affected beneficiaries to participate in the Oath of Affirmation and Scholarship Validation Exercise without delay. Failure to participate risks the forfeiture of scholarship awards.